Have you ever encountered a dangerous situation, yet were miraculously saved, or faced a worst-case scenario only to feel relief suddenly, or even felt supported during your exams?
Since our childhood, we were told, perhaps by our grandparents, that each of us has our own guardian angel. Others were skeptical about it.
Well, the Church has already spoken about it.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 336) states that human life is surrounded by the watchful care and intercession of angels, with a protector and shepherd standing beside each believer.
This belief is rooted in Scripture, such as Matthew 18:10, where Jesus notes that the angels of little ones always look upon the face of the Heavenly Father.
Guardian angels offer spiritual protection, guide our consciences toward good, and help lead souls toward salvation while respecting human free will.
They help us in many ways, often protecting us from physical danger. More importantly, however, angels can help us regarding sin.
St. John Bosco said: “When tempted, invoke your angel. He is more eager to help you than you are to be helped! Ignore the devil and do not be afraid of him: he trembles and flees at the sight of your guardian angel.”
Pope Paul V initially added the observance to the calendar in 1615, and Pope Clement X formally established the universal feast for the entire Catholic Church in 1670.
The Church honors these heavenly protectors annually on October 2 during the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels.
So next time you are in doubt or trouble, never lean solely on your own strength, but rather call upon your heavenly protector who walks right beside you.
Prayer to the 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, rule and guide.
Amen.
Holy Guardian Angels, intercede for us all!