Our Guardian Angels
OUR GUARDIAN ANGELS by Rev. Alfred Boeddeker, O.F.M.
St. Thomas represents the whole physical world as entrusted by God to the keeping of the angels: stars, nations, man. An all- pervading principle governs the theology of the spirit ministry, namely, that every inferior thing in creation is under the tutelage of a higher thing. Golden threads of spirit power with coarser sinews of natural energy hold the universe together.
The physical laws remain and are active. For the Creator governs the material universe according to these, but He uses angels as intermediators and executors of his plan. God's omnipresent vigilance over the universe remains; He merely multiplies his created power in the angels' created activities.
EACH ANGEL DISTINCT
So by a natural law, each human being at conception is under the tutelage of a divinely chosen guardian angel. By God's will, each person's angel is distinct from every other and has complete knowledge of his charge, of you, and your needs.
In coming on this dreary earth, the angel does not stop gazing on God's unveiled presence; rather, the human enters the sphere of the angel's activity like a planet kept within the orbit of the sun.
Our knowledge of the angels is based on Revelation, on the Old and New Testaments, Tradition and the Church's doctrine from the beginning. Lateran Council IV (1215) and Vatican Council I (1869) declared that "simultaneously at the beginning of time. God created from nothing both the spiritual and corporal creation, i.e. angelic and mundane." Therefore, like his predecessors, a modern theologian, Karl Rahner (Encyclopedia of Theology) firmly holds that the "existence of the angels cannot be disputed by a sincere Christian. They are mere creatures and like man, they are created for a supernatural goal. Their saving grace came from Christ, who is their Head too, and round the Word they form a true society of persons. They are a part of the Christian Message." Through Christ, they give praise to the Father (Mass Preface).
All recent popes have confirmed and promoted the Church's constant faith in the angels. They themselves, lived in close, friendly, brotherly contact with them. Here are some of their words and sentiments:
"I feel that he is here, close by, ready to help me. " To visitors: "every day, morning and evening, pray to your guardian angel, especially in difficulties."
To his successor (Pope Pius XII): "In speaking with someone who is closed to your argument, go to your guardian angel and recommend the matter to him. Ask him to take it up with the guardian angel of the person you have to see. Once the two angels establish an understanding, the conversation with the visitor will be much easier."
"We must unite with the holy angels; with them we must become one great strong family in view of the times that are approaching us!" He denounced (Encyclical 1950) theologians who questioned whether the angels were persons or reduced them to myths or vague ethereal beings. To American tourists (1958): "There exists another, an invisible world, real as our own, it is all around us; it is peopled with angels; they travel with you and play a part in your lives. As Christ said of children that 'their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven' (Mt. 18:10), so when children become adults, their guardian angels do not abandon them, but remain at their sides."
had a deep devotion and familiarity with the angels. With simplicity and naturalness, he said, "rely on your guardian angels, the lovable heralds of our will. May the angels, present in every home, speak of our desire to bring about social concord, good morals, the practice of charity, peace among nations."
To parents: "Teach the children that they are never alone, that an angel is at their side. Show them how to have a trusting conversation with the angel, who is a good advisor and intercedes for you and helps you in your needs." It is consoling to feel this special guardian near us; he promotes our intimacy with God as a teacher of asceticism and mysticism and guide to the summit.
THE ANGEL PRAYER
"I myself say the prayer at least five times a day, and I often speak spiritually to him; it always gives me serenity and peace.
"Looking at the great crowd of pilgrims, I used to think of the equally numerous crowds of invisible guardian angels present in the same square." Pope John attributed the idea of calling the ecumenical council (Vatican II) to an inspiration of his guardian angel.
(his Credo) testified: "Angels and the blessed in heaven are associated 'in different degrees' in God's government of the world; the saints intercede on men's behalf, while the guardian angels not only pray and intercede for men, but also act on them, and directly intervene." "May the angels inspire in the nations and in their leaders plans of peace." He approved (1970) the Feast of the Guardian Angels (October 2).
GREAT STRANGERS
(the pope of 30 days) as Bishop of Veneto: "Angels are the great strangers in this time. It is necessary to speak much more about them as ministers of providence in the government of the world and of men"; "develop an intimate relationship with them."
our present Holy Father, magnificently defended the Church's doctrine on the angels. In six weekly catecheses (July-August 1986), his clear detailed teaching covered all facets: the angels' creation, spiritual nature, intellect and will, freedom, power, solicitude; their tasks in the universe, in entire nations, in each individual; he referred to Holy Scripture, Tradition and the Church's teaching throughout the ages. He spoke about fallen angels, Christ's victory over them and their remaining "in their choice of sin" eternally. They are cosmic liars and murderers.
"The Church is convinced that God has entrusted to the angels a ministry in favor of people. Therefore, the Church confesses her faith in the guardian angels, venerating them with appropriate feasts and recommending recourse to their protection by frequent prayer."
GUARDIAN ANGEL PRAYER
Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom His love commits me here; Ever this day (or night) be at my side, To light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
LITANY TO THE GUARDIAN ANGEL (For private recitation)
Lord, have mercy on us, Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Queen of Angels, pray for us.
Holy Angel, my prince, pray for us. Holy Angel, my monitor, Holy Angel, my counselor, Holy Angel, my defender, Holy Angel, my steward, Holy Angel, my friend, Holy Angel, my negotiator, Holy Angel, my intercessor, Holy Angel, my patron, Holy Angel, my director, Holy Angel, my ruler, Holy Angel, my protector, Holy Angel, my comforter, Holy Angel, my brother, Holy Angel, my teacher, Holy Angel, my shepherd, Holy Angel, my witness, Holy Angel, my helper, Holy Angel, my watcher, Holy Angel, my conductor, Holy Angel, my preserver, Holy Angel, my instructor, Holy Angel, my enlightener,
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord!
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord!
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us!
Christ, hear us. Christ graciously hear us.
Pray for us, O holy Angel Guardian.
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us Pray---Almighty, everlasting God, who in the counsel of Your ineffable goodness have appointed to all the faithful, from their mother's womb, a special Angel Guardian of their body and soul; grant, that I may so love and honor him whom You have so mercifully given me, that protected by the bounty of Your grace and by his assistance, I may merit to behold, with him and all the angelic host, the glory of Your countenance in the heavenly country. Who live and reign, world without end. Amen.
PRAYER TO ST. MICHAEL
Saint Michael Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Printed with ecclesiastical permission
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