CDF – Decision on the Operation of Angels (July 1, 1983): The Three Canonical Archangels and the Limits of Private Revelation

A Santa Congregação para a Doutrina da Fé, por meio de carta de 1º de dezembro de 1977, dirigida ao Cardeal Secretário de Estado, solicitou uma análise sobre a *Opera Angelorum*. Esta solicitação foi encaminhada pela Secretaria de Estado, por competência, à presente Congregação.

Após exame na sessão do dia 22 de junho de 1983, os Eminentíssimos Cardeais desta Congregação chegaram às seguintes decisões, aprovadas pelo Sumo Pontífice na audiência de 1º de julho:

1. 1. A *Opera Angelorum*, na promoção da devoção aos santos anjos, deve obedecer à doutrina da Igreja e dos Santos Pais e Doutores. Em particular, não deve espalhar entre seus membros e entre os fiéis um culto aos anjos utilizando-se de “nomes” conhecidos por suposta revelação privada (atribuída à Sra. Gabriela Bitterlich). Não será lícito usar esses mesmos nomes em qualquer oração pela comunidade.
2. 2. A *Opera Angelorum* não exigirá de seus membros e nem proporá a eles a chamada “promessa do silêncio” (“Schweigen-Versprechen”), embora seja legítimo guardar uma justa discrição sobre as coisas internas da *Opera Angelorum*, que convém aos membros dos institutos da Igreja.

**December 1, 1977 Letter to the Cardinal Secretary of State**

By his letter dated December 1, 1977, addressed to the Cardinal Secretary of State, Your Eminence requested an examination of the Work of Angels. This question was referred by the Secretariat of State, in accordance with its competence, to this Sacred Congregation.

**Decisions of the Congregation, Approved by the Pope on July 1, 1983**

The Most Excellent Cardinals of this Congregation, after examining the matter on June 22, 1983, have reached the following decisions, approved by the Supreme Pontiff at an audience held on July 1:

**1.** The Work of Angels, in promoting devotion to the holy angels, must adhere to the doctrine of the Church and the teachings of the Holy Fathers and Doctors. In particular, it shall not promote among its members or among the faithful a cult of angels utilizing “names” known through alleged private revelation (attributed to Mrs. Gabriela Bitterlich). The community shall not use these names in any prayer.

**2.** The Work of Angels shall not require nor propose to its members the so-called “promise of silence” (“Schweigen-Versprechen”), although it is legitimate to maintain a just discretion regarding internal matters of the Work of Angels, which is suitable for members of Church institutes.

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**The Three Doctrinal Principles Established:**

1. **Legitimate Devotion to Holy Angels:** The CDF does not condemn devotion to angels but rather confirms it as traditional and commendable.
2. **Limit on Private Revelations:** No “private revelation” (even to a pious soul) can introduce into liturgy or communal devotional practice names of angels not confirmed by Sacred Scripture.
3. **Only Three Canonical Names:** The Catholic Church publicly recognizes only three names of angels:
– Michael (Daniel, Apocalypse)
– Gabriel (Daniel, Luke)
– Raphael (Tobias)

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**The Seven Archangels from Apocryphal Traditions:**

The Book of Enoch (apocryphal, 2nd century BC) and other pseudepigraphical writings name seven archangels:

1. Michael
2. Gabriel
3. Rafael
4. Uriel (“Light of God”)
5. Selafiel (“Seeking God”)
6. Yegudiel (“Praise of God”)
7. Baraquiel (“God’s Blessing”)

The Catholic Church considers only the first three (canonical biblical) as recognized in public worship. The other four names may be retained in private piety but cannot be used in public litanies or prayers. The 1983 CDF Decision clearly establishes this limit.

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**Reorganization of Opera Angelorum:**

Following the 1983 CDF Decision, Opera Angelorum reorganized itself, discarding the elements rejected:

1. Eliminated non-Biblical names from its public prayers.
2. Suppressed the “promise of silence.”
3. Submitted to the pastoral oversight of diocesan bishops.

On May 31, 2010, the CDF issued a new note stating that Opera Angelorum, after accepting the corrections, could continue its activities “in full accord with the doctrine of the Church and its pastoral provisions.”

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**Significance for Marian and Angelic Devotion:**

# CDF Decision on Devotions Based on Private Revelations:

This CDF (Congregatio De Doctrina Fide) decision establishes guidelines for the Church’s magisterium regarding devotions based on private revelations:

1. **Subordination to Church Discernment:** Every private revelation is subject to the discernment of the Church.
2. **No Obligation to Unrecognized Devotions:** No private revelation can obligate believers to engage in devotional practices not recognized by the magisterium.
3. **Use of Confirmed Elements:** Public worship (liturgy, litanies, offices) should only incorporate elements confirmed by tradition.
4. **Legitimate Popular Piety:** Popular piety has a legitimate place but must remain within the boundaries of the Church’s faith.

This principle was subsequently applied to other private revelations (Vassula Ryden, Medjugorje, etc.) using analogous criteria.

## Additional Reading:

– Saint Michael the Archangel | Saint Gabriel the Archangel | Saint Raphael the Archangel | Angels of the Guard | Pope John Paul II Catecheses 1986 | CDF on Faith and Demonology 1975