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“Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven". (Matt 18:10)
It had been a long week of school for my friend, Anne Marie, a veteran first grade teacher in at St. Peter’s Catholic School. We had planned to meet, take a walk and have dinner together. I arrived at the school parking lot just as the sun was setting and the last cars were leaving for the weekend. Venturing to my friend’s classroom, I found the door unlocked and the lights off. My eyes sought the teacher’s desk to find my friend but oddly, her voice greeted me from the back of the classroom where her slim frame had found its way behind a child’s tiny desk and chair. “What are you doing back there?” I asked in surprise. “Praying for a little boy who is experiencing a very difficult family situation.” Anne Marie answered. She then relayed to me her custom of praying for her students from their desks after the school day – especially asking the intercession of their Guardian Angels. I have never forgotten my friend’s simple yet profound faith in the often-forgotten presence of the Holy Angels.
In our Catholic devotional tradition, October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary and the Guardian Angels. Since there will be no shortage of opportunities to celebrate the Holy Rosary this month, I would like to share a little about these magnificent spirits who accompany us on our earthly pilgrimage.
“Fast Facts” about the Angels
Angels are created spirits without bodies, having understanding and free will. (Baltimore Catechism #37) …they are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendor of their glory bears witness (CCC#330).
Angels are mentioned in the Old Testament 117 times and 180 times in the New Testament (Bible Gateway)
The Guardian Angels are given to us by God as an expression of His loving providence. The Angels help us by praying for us, by acting as messengers from God to us, by protecting us from harm and inspiring us to do good. (Balt. Cat. #43)
Angels were created through and for God and serve as messengers of His saving plan (CCC #331)
Ways to Honor the Angels and Grow in Devotion during this Month of October
Consciously turn to your Guardian Angel, in prayer. Thank God for their inspiration and protection.
Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church #328 - #336
Communicate with the Angels of your children and loved ones through prayer – especially in times of trial and concern
Consider, this month, setting up a little shrine to the Angels in your home and praying the following prayer with your family: “Angel of God my guardian dear to whom God’s Love commits me here. Ever this day, be at my side to light, to guard, to rule and to guide. Amen.”
During the Rosary, meditate on the agency of the Angels in each of the Divine Mysteries of the Life of Jesus, Mary and St. Joseph.
Acknowledgements:
Bible RSV. Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/
Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). (1997). Libreria Editrice Vaticana
Catholic Church. (1949). The Baltimore Catechism, Connell, Rev. Francis, Confraternity Edition, Benziger Bros. Press
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