Angels are present in many religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, etc.) and beliefs (folklore, esotericism, new age, etc.). And when we talk about angels, we naturally think of guardian angels. The Catholic Church also recognizes the existence of these spiritual beings, protectors and guides of men throughout their earthly life. She celebrates them on the feast of the holy guardian angels, on October 2, a feast that follows that of the holy archangels, on September 29.
But who are the guardian angels really? How do they act in our lives? What is their role and what relationship can we have with them? In the Catholic faith, guardian angels are not determined by your astrological sign or date of birth, but it is God, himself, who sends one of his holy angels to each human being. Like Padre Pio, who forged a strong relationship with his guardian angel, let us also learn to know better and to listen to this heavenly companion, by our side at every moment.
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The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that every human being is accompanied on earth by a guardian angel:
“From the beginning of existence to death, human life is surrounded by their guardianship and their intercession. Each believer has at his side an angel as protector and pastor to lead him through life.” (No.336)
This dogma is based in particular on certain verses of the Bible that evoke the existence of angels alongside men, such as for example in the gospel of Saint Matthew, where Jesus says: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10).
The Fathers of the Church and many saints participated in developing the doctrine of guardian angels.
“So great is the dignity of souls that each one, from birth, has an angel in charge of his guard.” (Saint Jerome)
“Everything visible in this world is entrusted to an angel.” (Saint Augustine)
“What a consolation to know that close to us is a spirit who, from cradle to grave, never leaves us for a moment, not even when we dare to sin! This heavenly spirit guides us, protects us as a friend, as a brother.” (Padre Pio)
What is my guardian angel for? What is the definition of the guardian angel and whattype of angel is it?
“no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;” (Psalms 90:11)
Angels accompany us on our earthly path; they guide and protect us, as evoked in this psalm.
Behind this mission given to our angel, we can feel God's love for us. God doesn't abandon us! Becoming aware of the presence of angels is also a way to remember how much God loves us and takes care of us.
“In whatever house, however small you are, respect your good Angel, for he is present; he is very close to you; not only is he with you, but he is there for you, he seeks to protect you and be of help to you.
With an angel with you, what could you fear? Your Angel cannot be defeated or deceived; he is faithful, he is prudent, he is powerful: why then be afraid?” (Saint Bernard)
“The invisible presence of these blessed spirits is a great help, and a great comfort: they walk beside us, they protect us, in all circumstances, they defend us in dangers, and we can have recourse to them at any time.” (Benedict XVI)
Our guardian angel is by our side to help us progress and walk towards holiness. Our guardian angel, who is a heavenly spirit, is in charge of our soul. His advice, his warnings, are for the salvation of our soul. To listen to him is to give ourselves the chance to act according to the will of God, to avoid sin.
The guardian angel makes the connection between God and us. He brings us his messages and transmits our prayers to him.
“The Angels are our pastors; not only do they bring our messages to God, but they also bring us those of God. They nourish our souls with their sweet inspirations and divine communications; as good pastors, they protect and defend us against wolves, that is to say against demons.” (Saint John of the Cross)
“But it is equally comforting to know that this angel prays incessantly for us, that he offers to God all the good works we do, our thoughts and desires when they are pure.” (Padre Pio)
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Contrary to some beliefs that propose to reveal the name of our angel from the date and time of birth, the Catholic Church encourages not to name your guardian angel.
“It is necessary to condemn the practice of giving angels particular names, which Sacred Scripture does not know, except those of Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.” (Directory on Popular Piety and Liturgy).
As Catholics, we believe that it is God who designates each human being, a personal angel and not the calculations of astrology that define us an angel, such as a zodiac sign.
In addition, not naming your angel avoids falling into worship that would then distance you from the worship of Christ. Our guardian angels are at the service of God and do not intend to eclipse him. Our eyes should not be on them, but thanks to them, turn more and more to God.
Finally, naming spiritual beings without being sure of the origin of the inspiration of the name is a risk of invoking evil spirits. So the only angels named in the Catholic faith are the three archangels named in the Bible: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.
However, if we can't “calculate” our angel, we can get to know him. And even without a name, we can develop a strong and personal relationship with our guardian angel.
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Many saints have developed a beautiful relationship with their guardian angel and show us that it is possible to communicate with them. This was particularly the case of Padre Pio or Gemma Galgani. They teach us how, through listening and prayer, we can get to know them better and have real intimacy with our guides from Heaven.
“Many saints have been in the friendship of angels, as evidenced by the many situations in which they have received their help. These blessed spirits are sent by God to serve who will inherit salvation, as the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us. Their help is therefore precious throughout our earthly pilgrimage to the heavenly homeland.” (Benedict XVI)
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