Feast of our Guardian Angels

The Church celebrates in some way every aspect of the Divine Work – of creation, redemption, sanctification and glorification. One aspect is the existence of spiritual creatures whom we call angels. The Church celebrates the Feast of the Guardian Angels on October 2.

Angels, who are mentioned throughout the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, are just as present as humans are. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 328) teaches,

“The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls ‘angels’ is a truth of faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition.” Guardian angels are the special angels assigned to humans, helping us throughout our lives from birth until death.

Who are the angels?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states,

CCC 350. Angels are spiritual creatures who glorify God without ceasing and who serve his saving plans for other creatures: “The angels work together for the benefit of us all” (St. Thomas Aquinas).

“When Mass is being celebrated, the sanctuary is filled with countless angels who adore the Divine Victim immolated on the altar.” – St. John Chrysostom

What do the Guardian Angels do?

All angels are in the presence of the Beatific Vision, worshipping God. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus said, “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.”

Further, guardian angels help us throughout our lives. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches,

CCC 336. From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by [the angels’] watchful care and intercession. Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life. Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God.

How do angels help humans?
The angels help us in many ways, such as often protecting us from physical danger. More importantly, however, angels can help us in regard to sin. St. John Bosco said, “When tempted, invoke your angel. He is more eager to help you than you are to be helped! Ignore the devil and do not be afraid of him: he trembles and flees at the sight of your guardian angel.”

Also, angels help us at the end of our lives. St. Alphonsus Liguori said, “The powers of hell will assail the dying Christian; but his angel guardian will come to console him. His patrons, and St. Michael, who has been appointed by God to defend his faithful servants in their last combat with the devils, will come to his aid.”

How many angels does God have in heaven?

Even though we do not know the precise number of angels, we do know that it is a number beyond human count. Hebrews 12:22 mentions “innumerable angels,” Revelation 5:11 refers to “many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,” and in Rev. 12:4, St. John compares them to the number of the stars, a third of them being cast down in their rebellion. So, we cannot know how many there are, but likely far more than the number of human beings who have ever lived, estimated recently as over 100 billion and climbing.

“Invoke your guardian angel that he will illuminate you and will guide you. God has given him to you for this reason. Therefore, use him!” – St. Padre Pio

You can pray to your guardian angel, just as you can pray to any saint. It is important to note that this is not an act of worship, but of the honor due to the ministers of God sent to serve our salvation (Heb. 1:14).

“Make yourself familiar with the angels, and behold them frequently in spirit. Without being seen, they are present with you.” – St. Francis de Sales

What is the prayer to the Guardian Angel?
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, rule and guide.
Amen.

What powers do angels have?

The angels as pure spirits have a power of intellect and will that is greater than that which human beings possess. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says,

CCC 329-330. With their whole beings the angels are servants and messengers of God. Because they “always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven” they are the “mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word.”

As purely spiritual creatures angels have intelligence and will: they are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendor of their glory bears witness.

Thus we should not trifle with angels, good or bad. The powers of the angelic nature in the bad angels, although wounded by their Fall, is still far superior to ours. All the more reason to strictly adhere to the guidance of the Church in such matters.

Reference: EWTN, Guardian Angels