Archangel who announced to Mary that she would bear Jesus; his name means “God is my strength.”
Life
Saint Gabriel is an archangel named in Scripture; his name is understood to mean God is my strength. He appears as a messenger bringing God's word to people.
In the Book of Daniel he explains the meaning of a vision to Daniel, and in Luke's Gospel he announces to Zechariah in the Temple the birth of John the Baptist. Above all, he appeared to Mary of Nazareth and brought the joyful news that she would conceive the Son of God. The opening words of the Hail Mary come from his greeting.
The Church remembers him with the archangels Michael and Raphael on September 29.
Spirituality
Gabriel's spirituality is the obedience of one who brings good news. He did not speak his own words but carried God's word faithfully, and he offered Mary the hope that nothing is impossible for God.
Reflection
Every time we pray the Hail Mary, we repeat Gabriel's greeting. What small piece of good news could you bring to someone today?