Gabriel is an archangel, whose name means “God is my strength.” In the Book of Daniel he explains Daniel's visions and brings the prophecy of the seventy weeks (Daniel 8:16, 9:21). In Luke he appears in the Temple to the priest Zechariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist. When Zechariah doubts, Gabriel says, “I am Gabriel, who stand in the presence of God,” and Zechariah is struck mute until the child is born (Luke 1:19–20).

Six months later Gabriel is sent to Nazareth to a young woman named Mary. His greeting—“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you”—begins the Hail Mary. He tells her she will bear a son named Jesus and that “nothing will be impossible with God.” Mary answers, “Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:26–38).

Gabriel's feast is September 29, shared with Michael and Raphael since 1969. People turn to Gabriel because he brings the news that changes everything, and he stays until a real answer is given.

Gabriel is one of the three archangels named in Scripture. He explains visions to Daniel (Daniel 8–9), announces the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah (Luke 1:19), and announces the birth of Jesus to Mary (Luke 1:26–38). He is honored with Michael and Raphael on September 29.