Showing posts with label Archangels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Archangels. Show all posts

Monday, June 19, 2017

Prayers of Protection to Saint Michael the Archangel


Oh most Noble Prince of the Angelic Hierarchies
valorous warrior of Almighty God,
and zealous lover of His glory,
terror of the rebellious angels,
and love and delight of all the just ones,
my beloved Archangel Saint Michael,
desiring to be numbered among your devoted servants,
I, today offer and consecrate myself to you,
and place myself, my family,
and all I possess under your most powerful protection.

I entreat you not to look at how little, I,
as your servant have to offer,
being only a wretched sinner,
but to gaze, rather,
with favorable eve at the heartfelt affection
with which this offering is made,
and remember that if from this day onward
I am under your patronage,
you must during all my life assist me,
and procure for me the pardon of my many grievous offenses, and sins, the grace to love with all my heart my God,
my dear Saviour Jesus and my Sweet Mother Mary,
and obtain for me all the help necessary to arrive to my crown of glory.

Defend me always from my spiritual enemies,
particularly in the last moments of my life.

Come then oh Glorious Prince and succour me in my last struggle,
and with your powerful weapon cast far from me into the infernal abysses that prevaricator and proud angel that one day you prostrated in the celestial battle.

Saint Michael, defend us in our daily battle
so that we may not perish in the last Judgement.

***


Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle,
be our protection against the malice 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,
thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits
who wander through the world
seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Read more: A Timely Message Regarding Archangel Michael and God's Reign of Peace

Thursday, November 06, 2014

Guardian Angels Watch Over Us

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar - St. Michael's Church

Catholic Weekly Newspaper of the Fall River Diocese - AnchorNews.org

By Linda Andrade Rodrigues, Anchor Correspondent

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Guardian angels are the servants and messengers of God.

“How great the dignity of the soul, since each one has from his birth an angel commissioned to guard it,” St. Jerome said.

The “Catechism of the Catholic Church” teaches that as purely Spiritual creatures, angels have intelligence and will: they are personal and immortal, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendor of their glory bears witness.

“The Holy Spirit advises me,” and “there’s the angel who advises me,” said Pope Francis. “Nobody walks alone, and none of us can believe we are alone.”

Nine years ago I interviewed a devout Catholic who believes she had an encounter with an angel. She works in marketing and lives in Rhode Island. She shared her story on the condition of anonymity.

Sitting in the front passenger seat of her boyfriend’s car, the woman, along with her two girlfriends, was riding around town late one night.

Out of the blue, a car cut them off running them off the road. Spinning out of control, they crashed into a telephone pole.

“I remember the point of impact,” she said. “I was holding onto the door with a death grip to brace myself as we hit the pole.”

Her boyfriend and friends managed to crawl out of the crushed car, but she was trapped inside.
“I remember not being able to feel my legs,” she said. “I panicked because I couldn’t catch my breath.”

The telephone pole was inside the car; her feet were in the engine compartment.

“I actually saw my life flash before my eyes at the moment of impact,” she said. “I remember seeing family members who had passed on.”

She heard their voices calling to her.

Then she saw a hand coming through the twisted metal. She reached for it.

“I’m a nurse,” the person said.

She told the nurse about the voices.

“Don’t listen to them,” the nurse said. “You’re going to be fine. It’s not your time yet.”

It would take more than an hour for emergency personnel to cut her out of the car with the Jaws of Life. All the while, she kept asking for the nurse who had promised not to leave her.

But the paramedics told her, “There’s nobody here. We’re going to take care of you.”

Her injuries were grave. Her legs and pelvis were shattered, she had massive internal injuries and bleeding, as well as a blood clot. She received Last Rites.

She spent three months in the hospital’s trauma unit, and it would take a year of intensive physical therapy for her to walk again.

A short time after her discharge from the hospital, she arranged to meet the paramedics who had saved her life.

“They couldn’t believe I was there,” she said. “They assumed I wasn’t going to make it.”
Once again, she asked them about the nurse. They told her there was a witness walking his dog in the woods, but there was no nurse.

“It may have been your mind playing games with you,” the paramedic said. “Your body was in shock.”

Today she bears few scars from the accident that nearly took her life. She is married to her boyfriend, the driver of the car, and is convinced a guardian angel came to her on the night of the accident.
“I still feel she’s watching over me,” she said. “I always feel protected.”

A resident of Mine Hill, N.J., Loci Lenar reports news of Christian signs and wonders on his blog and website — “Angels, Wonders and Miracles of Faith” (http://lenarpoetry.blogspot.com) and “Signs, Wonders and Miracles” (www.Christian-Miracles.com) — which have recorded over a million page views.

Lenar also documents his own spiritual encounters, following instructions from his spiritual advisor, Father Richard Tartaglia of St. Mary’s Church in Denville, N.J.

Sharing his experiences, he has been interviewed several times for the program “Sacred Treasures” on the international Catholic station Radio Maria, which is broadcast locally by the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate of Our Lady’s Chapel in New Bedford at 88.5 FM (WPMW).

Lenar often visits churches to photograph stained glass windows and statues to use on his website and blog.

Five years ago he stopped to pray at The Church of St. Michael in Netcong, N.J., and photographed a statue of St. Michael the Archangel.

“Without the flash, you see the striking rainbow beyond the statue and around the arms,” he told me. “I gave the small memory card to Father Richard.”

Catholics invoke St. Michael the Archangel in prayer for physical protection.

Lenar said that Jesus is calling people to pray for divine protection, not just for their families but for the world.

“We are living in difficult times, but through prayer we could change things,” he said. “The message is now more important than ever before to invoke the powerful name of Jesus and to pray for the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel to protect our families and nation, especially in light of the violence surrounding our world and the Middle East.”

Two years ago thieves broke into the basement of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Assonet, causing massive damage to the property, pilfering church offerings and leaving behind a feeling of unease that this sacred ground had been violated.

Consequently, Father Michael Racine inserted the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel in the front cover of church missals.

Just before the closing rites at every Mass, the congregation invokes the saint’s protection:
“St. Michael the 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 evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.”

Monday, January 27, 2014

PRAY IN THE PRESENCE OF ANGELS


Sunday, November 27, 2011

The story of Uriel, the 'forgotten' archangel




The video and following news story is from RomeReports.com:

Michael, Raphael and Gabriel are the archangels of the Latin Catholic tradition. But according to Coptic Christians of Eritrea and the Jewish tradition, there is yet another one: archangel Uriel.

Marcello Stanzione
Angel Expert (Rome)

“The fact is that the Coptic Christians of Ethiopia and Eritrea worship archangel Uriel. Also, Anglicans. July 11 is his feast day. Uriel is an archangel, even if he's not recognized in our Catholics texts.”

According to apocryphal Gospels, Uriel helped save St. John the Baptist, from the slaughter ordered by Herod. According to another tradition, Uriel led John the Baptist, and his mother St. Elizabeth to Egypt.

This reportedly inspired Leonardo da Vinci to paint his famous piece titled “The Virgin of the Rocks.”

Priest Marcello Stanzione has collected all the documents that make reference to Uriel. He even wrote a book titled “Inchiesta su Uriele.

L'arcangelo scomparso,” meaning “An investigaion of Uriel, the lost archangel.

Marcello Stanzione
Angel Expert (Rome)

“In Rome, archangel Uriel appeared before the Sicilian priest Antonio Lo Duca and told him to build a church in the Termini area. That church is the famous church of the angels and the martyrs, located at the Exedra Plaza.”

According to Stanzione, the Sicilian priest then told pope Pius VI about the apparition. The pope then asked Michelangelo to design the church.

But despite all this, for many Catholics archangel Uriel is an unknown figure.

Wednesday, September 07, 2011

Prayers to St. Raphael the Archangel


Saint Raphael the Archangel by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo
 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Prayer for Healing to St. Raphael the Archangel

Glorious Archangel Saint Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners. I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels. Because you are the "medicine of God," I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body. I especially ask of you the favor (mention your petition) and the great grace of purity of prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Saint Raphael of the glorious seven who stand before the throne of Him who lives and reigns, angel of health, the Lord has filled your hand with balm from heaven to soothe or cure our pains. Heal or cure the victim of disease, and guide our steps when doubtful of our ways. Amen


Prayer to St. Raphael the Archangel

Blessed Saint Raphael, Archangel, We beseech you to help us in all our needs and trials of this life, as you, through the power of God, didst restore sight and gave guidance to young Tobit. We humbly seek your aid and intercession, that our souls may be healed, our bodies protected from all ills, and that through divine grace we may become fit to dwell in the eternal Glory of God in heaven. Amen.


St Raphael Prayer: Patron of Travelers and Bearers of Good News

St. Raphael, archangel, you protected young Tobiah as he journeyed to a distant land. Protect all travelers and most especially those who go about near and far preaching the Gospel. Guide and inspire modern apostles who use the communications media to bring the Good News of Christ to many souls. You also brought healing and joy to all you met. Help those who bring the Word of God to souls, that they may be as instruments in God's Hands to draw many to lives of Christian holiness. We ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

 
Prayer to Saint Raphael Before a Trip

Dear St. Raphael, your lovely name means "God heals." The Lord sent you to young Tobias to guide him throughout a long journey. Upon his return you taught him how to cure his father's blindness. How natural, therefore, for Christians to pray for your powerful help for safe travel and a happy return. This is what we ask for ourselves as well as for all who are far from home. Amen.


Prayer to St. Raphael: For the Choice of a Good Spouse

St. Raphael, you were sent by God to guide young Tobiah in choosing a good and virtuous spouse. Please help me in this important choice which will affect my whole future. You not only directed Tobiah in finding a wife, but you also gave him guidelines which should be foremost in every Christian marriage: "Pray together before making important decisions." If through prayer we keep God as the "third Partner" in our marriage, we will have the strength and grace we need to always accept and do His will. Amen.

Pray 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, 1 Glory be


Prayer to Saint Raphael, Angel of Happy Meetings

O Raphael, lead us towards those we are waiting for, those who are waiting for us! Raphael, Angel of Happy Meetings, lead us by the hand towards those we are looking for! May all our movements, all their
movements, be guided by your Light and transfigured by your joy.

Angel guide of Tobias, lay the request we now address to you at the feet of Him on whose unveiled Face you are privileged to gaze. Lonely and tired, crushed by the separations and sorrows of earth, we feel the need of calling to you and of pleading for the protection of your wings, so that we may not be as strangers in the Province of Joy, all ignorant of the concerns of our country.

Remember the weak, you who are strong--you whose home lies beyond the region of thunder, in a land that is always peaceful, always serene, and bright with the resplendent glory of God.

Amen.


The following excerpt about St. Rapheal the Archangel can be read on CatholicOnline.com:

St. Raphael is one of seven Archangels who stand before the throne of the Lord.

He was sent by God to help Tobit, Tobiah and Sarah. At the time, Tobit was blind and Tobiah's betrothed, Sarah, had had seven bridegrooms perish on the night of their weddings. Raphael accompanied Tobiah into Media disguised as a man named Azariah. Raphael helped him through his difficulties and taught him how to safely enter marriage with Sarah.

Tobiah said that Raphael caused him to have his wife and that he gave joy to Sarah's parents for driving out the evil spirit in her. He also gave Raphael credit for his father's seeing the light of heaven and for receiving all good things through his intercession.

Raphael, Michael and Gabriel are the only Archangels mentioned by name in the bible. Raphael's name means "God heals." This identity came about because of the biblical story which claims that he "healed" the earth when it was defiled by the sins of the fallen angels in the apocryphal book of Enoch. Raphael is also identified as the angel who moved the waters of the healing sheep pool. He is also the patron of the blind, of happy meetings, of nurses, of physicians and of travelers.

His feast day is celebrated on September 29th.

More Devotional Prayers

Thursday, February 03, 2011

Book Describes how Angels have Helped Popes throughout History



YouTube - RomeReports's Channel

The followining information is from the website of RomeReports.com:

This italian priest is dedicating his life to promote the proper devotion to angels. That's why Father Marcello Stanzione has written several books on these heavenly beings.

His most recent work describes how angels have helped popes throughout history. His book, The Pope and the Angels, begins by saying how guardian angels are a special help to anyone.

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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Saint Michael the Archangel by Stephen B. Whatley

St. Michael the Archangel
By Artist Stephen B. Whatley

St. Michael the Archangel - Painted in 2010 by Artist Stephen B Whatley - Flickr Photo Sharing!

Commentary by Loci B. Lenar

The bright colors in the new painting by Stephen B. Whatley represent the mighty power of God and His authority working through Archangel Michael. The novena to St. Michael is a reminder of God's faithfulness in helping people during times of adversity.

The painting of Archangel Michael and the following information is from Stephen's website:

Saint Michael the Archangel - a new tribute painted by Stephen B Whatley on St Michael's Feast Day (September 29) and completed on the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi. (October 4).

Saint Michael is seen as the Warrior Angel, fighting off Satan in heaven and protecting God's chosen people on earth from evil and enemies. St Michael occupies a special place in the church, appointed its protector; and his Intercession is encouraged to defeat the evil in the world - and for the protection from danger for anyone in their every day life.

"...as ever I prayed deeply for the strength and insight to express the power of St Michael; and while I looked at a variety of historic interpretations, this painting had its beginnings in my memory of the flickering flame that rose above a candle embossed with the image of St Michael, the evening before as my nervous and creative energy was building in praparation and determination to create this new tribute. Brushstrokes of warm yellows were felt from my heart; from where the defiant but graceful face of St Michael the Archangel would emerge.

I truly felt guided to paint a humble cross within his hand as his 'shield' - which maybe symbolises the power of faith, however big or small."

Singular prayers can be asked of St Michael; or 9 day prayers (Novenas) as below.


Novena Prayer to St Michael

Saint Michael the Archangel, loyal champion of God and His people, I turn to you with confidence and seek your powerful intercession. For the love of God, Who made you so glorious in grace and power, and for the love of the Mother of Jesus, the Queen of the Angels, be pleased to hear my prayer. You know the value of my soul in the eyes of God. May no stain of evil ever disfigure its beauty. Help me to conquer the evil spirit who tempts me. I desire to imitate your loyalty to God and Holy Mother Church and your great love for God and people. And since you are God's messenger for the care of His people, I entrust to you this special request: (Mention your request).

Saint Michael, since you are, by the Will of the Creator, the powerful intercessor of Christians, I have great confidence in your prayers. I earnestly trust that if it is God's holy will my petition will be greated.

Pray for me, Saint Michael, and also for those I love. Protect us in all dangers of body and soul. Help us in our daily needs. Through your powerful intercession, may we live a holy life, die a happy death, and reach heaven where we may praise and love God with you forever.

Amen.

Saint Michael the Archangel.
Oil on canvas, 36 x 24in/ 89 x 61cm
Copyright 2010 Stephen B. Whatley

For more about the artist, please visit the following link: Stephen B. Whatley

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Monday, October 11, 2010

Vatican Publishes Guide about Angels



A “Guide” About Angels Published by the Vatican

The Video and following excerpt is from the website of Rome Reports:

The angels have had cities and shrines named after them, and have been the inspiration for many hymns. However, they are a great unknown and have always been surrounded by a halo of mystery.

The Italian priest Marcello Stanzione has been studying them for years, and has written over 40 books on them. The Vatican Publishing House published the last one: An essential guide to the angels.


Msgr. Marcello Stanzione

"The Angels: An Essential Guide”

“The angels have elements from God and elements from the human being in this sense. Like us, the angels were also created, so they are creatures. But they do not die, and this is part of God's eternity.”


Msgr. Adriano Paccanelli

Vatican Secretariat of State

“They are invisible ministers of God, they are our custodians. They are spiritual beings”.

The most famous Angels are the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. The Catholic Church celebrates their feast on September 29. The tradition divides the angels into three groups. The first, seraphim, cherubim and thrones, the second, dominations, virtues and powers. And third, principalities, archangels and angels.

Throughout history, the Orders of the Benedictines, Franciscans and Jesuits have studied them most.

In addition, all the great saints have had a close relationship with the angels.


Msgr. Marcello Stanzione

"The Angels: An Essential Guide”

"Saint Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer was a devotee of the angels and when he entered in any church, he stood a moment. His associates knew the reason: he said he first let his angel pass and he would pass him."

Popes have also conveyed the importance of interacting with angels. The most famous prayer to Archangel Michael was written by Leo XIII.

John Paul II said on several occasions that every day he asked for help to his guardian angel and spoke about the angels in various general audiences. His successor, Benedict XVI, has carried on this devotion to the angels.

Read More: A Guide about Angels

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Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Feast Day of St. Michael the Archangel


St. Michael the Archangel
Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

Today's Feast Day: The Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Messengers of God

St. Michael the Archangel - Saints and Angels - Catholic Online

From Catholic Online:

St. Michael the Archangel - Feast day - September 29th  

The name Michael signifies "Who is like to God?" and was the war cry of the good angels in the battle fought in heaven against satan and his followers. Holy Scripture describes St. Michael as "one of the chief princes," and leader of the forces of heaven in their triumph over the powers of hell. He has been especially honored and invoked as patron and protector by the Church from the time of the Apostles.

Although he is always called "the Archangel," the Greek Fathers and many others place him over all the angels - as Prince of the Seraphim.

***

Commentary by Loci B. Lenar

With violence and adversity being prevalant throughout the world, the intercessory Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel is important today than ever before.  The following biblical scripture from Daniel 12:1, 3-4 appears to be relevant for our times.

"At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then.  But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.  Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.  But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the time of the end; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase."
 

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle,
be our protection against the malice 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,
thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits
who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen

***

The stained glass window detail of Archangel Michael can be seen inside the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Catholic church is located on High Street in Hackettstown, NJ, USA.

Photograph Copyright 2010 Loci B. Lenar
Christian-Miracles.com

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Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Spreading News of Angels

Photograph by Loci B. Lenar

ZENIT - Spreading News of Angels

The following excerpt regarding angels is by Alfonso Sarno:

Father Marcello Stanzione, the founder of Militia of St. Michael the Archangel, promotes an annual theological-pastoral conference on angelology. Bit by bit, Father Stanzione has obtained a seriousness and credibility recognized internationally.

Father Stanzione is hoping the Holy Father will convoke a year in honor of St. Michael the Archangel, and that the tradition of praying to the angel after Mass will be re-established.

"He can do everything," Father Stanzione affirmed, referring to the archangel.

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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Michael, Gabriel and Raphael: Archangels and Powerful Allies - Catholic Online


Michael, Gabriel and Raphael: Archangels and Powerful Allies - Catholic Online

The following story by F. K. Bartels appears on Catholic Online.

GLADE PARK, Colorado (Catholic Online) - Spring of 1916: three peasant children, Lucy, Francisco and Jacinta, were playing a game in the hills of Portugal. The children often tended their sheep among these hills, and lived in a hamlet just minutes away from the village of Fatima, called Aljustrel.

Startled by a sudden, strong wind, the children turned and saw "a light whiter than snow in the shape of a transparent young man, who was more brilliant than a crystal struck by the rays of the sun." This young man looked to be about "fourteen or fifteen years old," as Lucy recalled. She said they were "surprised and ecstatic," and that they "did not utter a word." The young man said to the children, "Fear not. I am the Angel of Peace. Pray with me."

Angel is from the Greek, "aggelos," and means "messenger". The angel who appeared to the children, as it was later realized, was the guardian angel of Portugal, none other than St. Michael the Archangel himself. He appeared to the children three times. In regards the third apparition, Lucy notes:

"In the third apparition, the presence of the angel was still more intense . . . It seemed to deprive us even of the use of our bodily senses for a long period of time. For several days afterward, we performed our physical actions as though sustained by that same supernatural being who compelled us to do them. The peace and happiness we felt were great, but intimate, as our souls were entirely concentrated on God."

Little did the children know that St. Michael the Archangel was preparing the way for them to meet the Lady "more brilliant than the sun".

The name Michael means "one who is like God". His will is focused, immovable, and entirely driven toward accomplishing goodness; he is the protector of souls, and wields his powerful sword against the poisonous and vindictive aspirations of he who is known as a liar from the beginning.

During a visit to the Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel, John Paul II said, "The battle against the devil . . . is the principal task of Saint Michael the archangel."

Scripture relates such a truth: "Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. Although the dragon and his angels fought back, they were overpowered and lost their place in heaven. The huge dragon, the ancient serpent known as the devil or Satan, the seducer of the whole world, was driven out; he was hurled down to earth and his minions with him" (Rev 12:7-9).

Michael the Archangel said to the three children at Fatima, "Fear not. I am the Angel of Peace. Pray with me." Then he prostrated himself, and repeated three times: "My God; I believe, I adore, I hope, and I love Thee! I beg Thee forgiveness for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope, and do not love Thee!"

In mind of the powerful experience related by Lucy, the above prayer of St. Michael brings tears to our eyes when we contemplate the utter serious nature of this committed warrior who strives after peace with all his being. Too, we can fathom the seriousness of our situation in regards the reality of life, of good and evil, of the battle that rages around us, and of God’s wondrous love in giving us such a vigilant and magnificent protector.

Gabriel means "God is my strength". He was sent from God to Nazareth, "to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, . . . and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, ‘Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you’" (Lk 1:27-28).

Pope St. Gregory the Great wrote: "He [Gabriel] came to announce the One who appeared as a humble man to quell the cosmic powers. Thus God’s strength announced the coming of the Lord of the heavenly powers, mighty in battle" (excerpt from Hom. 34, 8-9).

Raphael means "God is my health". He is one of seven angels "who enter and serve before the Glory of the Lord" (Tob 12:15). The meaning of Raphael’s name reflects the fact that he touched Tobit’s eyes in order to heal them of blindness.

St. Augustine says: "‘Angel’ is the name of their office, not of their nature. If you seek the name of their nature, it is ‘spirit’; if you seek the name of their office, it is ‘angel’: from what they are, ‘spirit,’ from what they do, ‘angel.’" With their whole beings the angels are servants and messengers of God. Because they "always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven" they are the "mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word" (CCC 329; Mt 18:10).

The angels are truly beautiful. As we reflect upon them we are drawn toward a deeper and clearer understanding of God’s love for man; for billions of angels, to be sure, are given the personal charge of looking after their own child of God. Every moment of each day, day after day, year after year, our faithful guardian angels stand at our side, focused on our well-being with far greater power than even we ourselves can summon; for they see the reality of our life in clarity, which is something we often fail to do. God has commended to each of us an angel for our very own. What love!

The CCC explains: From infancy to death human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession. "Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life." Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God (336).

Now, what more do we know about these wonderful angels?

"As purely spiritual creatures angels have intelligence and will: they are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendor of their glory bears witness" (CCC, 330; Dan 10:9-12).

God created the angels, like man, with an intellect and will, yet these shared attributes cannot be exactly compared, for they differ greatly in strength and power. For example, we might compare the intellect and will of a child to that of an adult: the former is not nearly so strong as the latter.

The angels’ intellect is far advanced over that of man, and, as for their will, they do not struggle with doubt, weakness, and the tendency to fall into sin. On the contrary, the angels’ will is an incredible force, unceasingly directed toward the Ultimate Good, powerfully focused upon that Good, which is, of course, God.

The angels were created with far-reaching intelligence. Unlike man, the angels have no need to labor away day after day in order to arrive at some small understanding. The knowledge contained in their intellect was infused therein in an instant. Man’s intellect is but a fragmented, dim light when compared to that of the angels, who know not only all about music, the arts, and nature, but all about the farthest reaches of the universe as well.

As for how the angels move, we are all familiar with pictures of winged cherubs. Yet, as wonderful as wings might be, they do no justice as a description of an angel’s movement. The angels are able to travel from our bedside to the sun’s corona, from there to the most distant star and back again in less than an instant. In fact, it is actually irrelevant to include the element of time in a discussion of angels’ movement. The speed of light is really no speed at all for our powerful guardians; for they are not constrained by the laws of time and space as are men. Their movement is as quick and effortless as a thought.

Further, because angels are not governed by the laws of nature as is man, they can be in two places at once. This is evident in the fact that they never lose sight of God in heaven yet are still able to remain at our side, ever watchful, always prepared to assist in our every need. Therefore to think that our angel might not be present in some sudden, immediate time of need is folly, for no unfortunate event can occur so quickly as to outpace the speed of our loving keepers.

Too, the angels assist us on our final journey, accompanying the dead on their way to the destiny reserved for them, as was the poor man, Lazarus, carried away and placed in the bosom of Abraham (Lk 16:22).

There are many accounts of saints who’ve been assisted by angels, their help arriving in various forms: there are stories of the sudden appearance of a large and ferocious dog who wards off enemies intent on inflicting grave harm; we hear of criminals who admit they refrained from assailing a women due to a large, powerful looking man seen walking at her side, when, actually, the woman was journeying alone; we often hear stories of a young, unknown man who displays actions of complete devotion and love, filling in for an absent parishioner during Eucharistic Adoration; et cetera.

That our own personal guardian angel is at our side cannot be doubted. Yet, unfortunately, we often fail to acknowledge him. How many weeks pass as we go along about our daily activities without giving him even so much as a thought? How many times have we narrowly escaped death yet failed to attribute our survival to the help of our guardian angel? Surely this must bring him disappointment.

Gabriel announced the most wonderful and sublime event ever to occur in the universe, the coming of the Incarnate God into the world through the womb of our precious Virgin Mary; let us, then, seek to hear the announcement of our personal guardian angel within our heart: "Listen to your Mother; seek her glorious Son; fix your will upon God!"

F. K. Bartels operates catholicpathways.com, and may be reached via email at: bartels@catholicpathways.com. He is a contributing writer for Catholic Online.


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