Which of the following lists the archangels commonly named in Catholic tradition?

• A. Michael, Gabriel, Raphael
• B. Michael, Gabriel, Uriel
• C. Raphael, Uriel, Sandalphon
• D. Gabriel, Lucifer, Michael

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is knowing which archangels are commonly named in Catholic tradition and why. The best choice lists Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. These three appear in sources recognized by Catholics: Michael is depicted as the chief prince and leader of the heavenly army (seen in Daniel and Revelation), Gabriel is the messenger who announces significant births (Luke), and Raphael appears as the healer and guide in Tobit. Tobit is part of the Catholic canon, which is why Raphael is included alongside Michael and Gabriel as a standard trio.

Uriel shows up in some apocryphal writings and later traditions, but he isn’t part of the regularly named archangels in Catholic teaching. Sandalphon is from Jewish mysticism rather than Catholic tradition, and Lucifer is treated as a fallen angel rather than an archangel, so he isn’t listed among the archangels.