The Catechism quotes Saint Basil in the 4 th century: “Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life” (CCC 336). The Guardian Angelsĭoctrine on guardian angels has existed throughout Church history. In his treatises on angels, theologian Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange refers to angels with the pronoun “it”. Similarly, the male name befits the strength of Michael the Archangel. More likely, in the culture in which Gabriel appeared, a male would have made important announcements. Some angels have male names, but this does not prove masculine gender. They do not reproduce, hence have no need of sexuality. Since they have no body, angels have no biological gender. The detail signifies that angels are not stuck in the spatial, earthly realm, but can fly to heaven in an instant. This is why artists draw wings on angels. They may be inspired by angels to do good and even heroic works, but humans are not angels.Īs pure spirits, angels can be simultaneously interceding with God for someone, and encouraging at the person’s very side on earth. Further, people who help others are not angels in disguise. Rather, human souls in heaven live in the company of the angels. The human soul does not become an angel after death. In fact, angels are on a mission from God to help people grow more holy and to protect them from evil in its many forms.Īngels and humans are two separate kinds of beings. Angels have free will and intellect, and are holier and more powerful than humans. A Brief Catechesis on AngelsĪngels are pure spirits, without physical bodies, who serve and glorify God. Beyond the ancient accounts of angels who stayed Abraham’s hand lest he harm Isaac, and who told Joseph to take Mary and the infant Jesus to safety in Egypt, angels stand ready today to assist in people’s most desperate dilemmas. Throughout life, angels are ever ready to guide the lost and protect the vulnerable. The angel who watches over an infant’s cradle takes on a lifelong charge. Perhaps the most important lesson I learned from the latter Guardian Angel prayer is that people do not outgrow their guardian angels. The prayer reminded me that I have dignity as a child of God. The prayer taught me to think of my angel as “my most devoted friend, to whom God has entrusted the care of my immortal soul.” I learned that guardian angels offer “loving encouragement to practice virtue,” and inspire humans to share in their “burning zeal” to serve God. Lawrence Lovasik’s booklet called a “Treasure of Prayers”. Recited daily, the prayer reminds children of their special angel, a gift of God’s love, who lights, guards, rules, and guides them.Īs an adult, I found another Guardian Angel prayer in Fr. Join thousands of other Catholics in praying novenas like this one together!Ĭlick here to find more novenas like this one.Most Catholic adults can recall the rhyming Guardian Angel prayer they learned as children. My guardian angel, my light, enlighten me! You are with me all the time so you already know these my intentions that I ask you to deliver to the Lord. Enlighten my heart and my mind so I can be a light for others to know and love the Lord. Open my eyes so that I may see how to be the person that God is calling me to be. Enlighten me to be holy and good like you. My sweet Guardian Angel, you are my light every day of my life. Help me to know and follow my angel so that, with their guidance, I will be worthy of being in Heaven with You! Loving God, you are so good that you gave me a Guardian Angel to protect my body and my soul. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
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