Names of angels: which the Church approves and why only three?

Only three names of angels are recognized and approved by the Catholic Church for public worship: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. These are the only ones mentioned in Holy Scripture. The Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy (2001) states that it is forbidden to give private names to angels other than these three, including the guardian angel.

Significados dos Nomes

• Miguel: Deriva do hebraico “Mikha’El” e significa “Quem é como Deus?”. É frequentemente associado à proteção e à luta contra as forças do mal.
• Gabriel: Significa “força de Deus” ou “Deus mostrou-se forte”. É conhecido por sua missão de mensageiro, especialmente na Anunciação do nascimento de Jesus.
• Rafael: Significa “Deus cura”. No Livro de Tobias, Rafael é descrito como um anjo curador e guia.

Uriel e a Angeologia Esotérica

The name Uriel is not recognized by the Catholic Church, because it comes from apocryphal books, such as the Fourth Book of Ezra and 1 Enoch. A Roman synod of the eighth century has already condemned the invocation of angels beyond the three biblical ones, and the Directory on Popular Piety and Liturgy reinforces this discipline.

Nomeação vs. Devoção

The Church discourages the appointment of angels, believing that names should be revealed by God in Scripture. Instead of naming angels, the recommended devotion is prayer, listening and docility to their conduct, emphasizing the relationship of faith and trust in God.

Angeologia Esotérica e New Age

The Catholic Church also warns against esoteric angeology and New Age practices that involve angel invocation techniques. These systems often attribute specific powers or functions to angels, diverting attention from faith in Christ as the center of the angelic world.