Memorial of the Guardian Angels

Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024

The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that angels are pure, spiritual beings who have been present since creation to glorify God without ceasing and serve as messengers of his saving plan for humanity. In addition, "from its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession." (nos. 330-350) Angel, which comes from the Latin "angelus" and the Greek "angelos," is a "messenger, envoy; one that announces." A guardian angel is an angel who has been "assigned to guard a particular person, especially with respect to helping that person avoid spiritual dangers and achieve salvation." We celebrate this feast on Oct. 2.

According to Father Reginald Martin in Simply Catholic, the "Church’s belief in guardian angels is based on Jesus’ teaching. St. Matthew records our Savior’s saying, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father” (Matthew 18:10). From the Church’s earliest days, her theologians have interpreted these words to mean each of us has a particular angel to protect us. St. Jerome wrote, “How great is the value of the soul that every single person has from birth received an angel for his protection.” Another good resource is this Understanding Our Church article: "As pure spiritual beings, angels do exist."

Prayer to Your Guardian Angel

"Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen."