What are angels? Angels are created spirits, without bodies, having understanding and free will. (a) Reason alone cannot prove that the angels exist. Reason indicates, however, that just as there are purely material creatures, and creatures composed of both matter and spirit, so also it is fitting that there should be purely spiritual creatures. (b) Angels are spiritual beings inferior to God and superior to man. (c) Sacred Scripture frequently speaks of the angels and mentions three by name: the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. (d) The nine "choirs" of angels are the Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominations, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels. (e) The exact number of angels is unknown, but Sacred Scripture indicates that their number is very great. |
