Guardian Angels

Ever stop to think about your Guardian Angel? The historic Church has always taught that each of us has an angel given by God at conception. Not only does it protect us from danger, but instucts us and guides us through life. And when we die, our angel will be there with us.


That said, let's go a step further... our Guardian Angels fought Satan and his rebels in the battle of heaven. We have war veterans on our side who know how to fight against the devil!

Our guardian angels have seen the face of God! They've been in His presence and worshipped at His throne!

ANGEL OF GOD, my guardian dear,To whom his love commits me here; Ever this (day, night) be at my side, To light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

ANGELE DEI, qui custos es mei, Me tibi commissum pietate superna; (Hodie, Hac nocte) illumina, custodi, rege, et guberna. Amen.

Not only should we call upon our Guardian, but we can ask the archangels for assistance as well:

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our defense 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 thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

O heavenly doctor and most faithful companion, St. Raphael, thou who didst restore sight to the elder Tobit, and didst escort the younger Tobias throughout his appointed journey and kept him safe and sound, be the doctor of my body and soul. Dispel the darkness of my ignorance, and assist me in the dangerous journey of this life always, until thou leadeth me to my heavenly homeland. Amen.

O God, who from among all your angels chose the Archangel Gabriel to announce the mystery of the Incarnation, mercifully grant that we who solemnly remember him on earth may feel the benefit of his patronage in heaven, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Just think of all the things your Guardian must listen to, look at, and put up with because God put you in its care. My poor Angel! No wonder the Byzantine prayer to one's Guardian Angel includes an apology:

O Angel of Christ, holy guardian and protector of my soul and body, forgive me everything wherein I have offended thee every day of my life, and protect me from all influence and temptation of the evil one. May I nevermore anger God by any sin. Pray for me to the Lord, that He may make me worthy of the grace of the All-holy Trinity, and of the Most Blessed Theotokos, and of all the Saints. Amen.

The Byzantine Rite also sets apart Monday to remember the Holy Angels. During the hours of prayer you will hear this troparion:

Supreme Leaders of the Heavenly Hosts, we implore you that by your prayers you will encircle us, unworthy as we are, with the protection of the wings of your immaterial glory, and guard us who fall down I before you and fervently cry: Deliver us from dangers, for you are the commanders of the Powers above.

The Roman Catholic Church dedicates the month of October to the Holy Angels since they are celebrated on the second.

Let us thank God for these ministering spirits.