Guardian Angels
It is lovely to have such a heartwarming celebration of guardian angels after celebrating St. Thérèse, our patron saint. What do we know about angels in general?
First, the word angel comes from the Greek angelos and means messenger. The word “angel,” then concerns their office (what they do) rather than their nature (what they are). Angels are messengers created by God. Like us, they have an intellect and a will. They are unlike us, however, in that they do not have bodies as they are pure spiritual beings. With high intelligence and possessing immense power, angels were created to worship and serve God.
Additionally, every angel is completely unique because they lack physical matter. We are accustomed to say that each of us is unique. Yet, there is something we all share together – a common human nature. We all belong to the same species. Each angel, however, is entirely different – its own distinct species, i.e., entirely unique. While the Church does not say how many angels there are, Scripture and Tradition describe them as countless and immense.
The Catechism tells us that Christ is at the center of the angelic world. They are his angels. He says, “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with him…” (Mt 25:31). Belonging to Christ, they are sent to serve Him in His plan of salvation.
Tradition puts forth that each of us is given a guardian angel. The Catechism states that “Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life” (CCC 336). The basis of this belief comes from today’s gospel where Jesus says, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.” (Mt 18:10) Psalm 91:11 says, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” When Peter was jailed in the Acts of the Apostles, it was “his angel” (Acts 12:15) who released him.
According to tradition, guardian angels were created for the sole purpose of serving us and our needs. Angels shield us from dangers and physical harm throughout life. They watch over our daily paths. Angels help ward off demonic assaults and defend us against spiritual temptations. They also offer us comfort and support during personal trials and suffering.
Guardian angels also give us grace against temptation. For example, they help guide our minds, reinforce God’s good commands, and clarify what is right. Our guardian angels encourage us to do good over evil and move our wills toward holy actions. They often act as a quiet intuition or that “gut feeling” that points to safety or truth. Finally, our guardian angels take our human prayers and present them before God.
Our Guardian angels accompany us from the beginning of our lives until death, ultimately seeking to guide our souls toward eternal salvation. It is heartwarming to know that your guardian angels love you with a perfect love! Your guardian angel knows you, cares about you, and deeply desires that you become a saint!
Practically, speak to your guardian angel and ask for your angel’s intercession. You can pray to your guardian angel when you wake up or just before going to sleep. Take inspiration from Padre Pio, who loved his guardian angel. He advised people to keep their guardian angel present in their minds and hearts, to invoke them often, and to trust completely in their silent, constant protection.
We will conclude with the Guardian Angel prayer: Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day, be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.”