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:
<Pope Pius XI:> "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."
<Pope Pius XII:> "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 <Humani Generis,> 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."
<Pope John XXIII> 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 <Angel of God, My Guardian Dear> 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.
<Pope Paul VI> (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
<Pope John Paul I> (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."
<Pope John Paul II,> 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
This leaflet, item # 95419, may be obtained for 5 cents per copy
from:
World Apostolate of Fatima
Washington, New Jersey 07882-0976
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