Last week I shared a little about the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael whose feast day we celebrated on September 29th.
This week, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels (October 2nd). The Catechism of the Catholic Church has this to say about angels in the life of the church, found in paragraphs 334 & 336:
In the meantime, the whole life of the Church benefits from the mysterious and powerful help of angels… From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their 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. (CCC 334 & 336).
Something that was shared with me during my time preparing for the priesthood was that we should not forget to seek the intercession of our guardian angels not just for protection against evil, but also for enlightenment in our studies and for guidance in our decision making.
The following prayer, that is traditionally been taught to us when we were younger, reveals just that:
Angel of God, my guardian dear. To whom His love, commits me here. Ever this day, be at my side. To light, to guard, to rule, to guide. Amen.
Make sure to take a moment to thank your guardian angel(s) for the many intercessions they have already performed on your behalf, knowingly and unknowingly.
Continue to call out to them, especially for guidance in your life. Ask them to reveal their name to you as well! Teach your children and others about the gift of these angels that God has placed in our lives.
Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us!
-Fr Peter
