Getting to Know our Guardian Angels

During my toddler years the first prayer taught to me by a distant relative who happens to be our landlady was Angel of God. I remember praying it every night until my elementary days before going to sleep. “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.” – the words are so simple yet so meaningful. As a child I may not be able to fully understand it but I prayed it anyway knowing that God has a guardian angel for me.

Throughout my 50 plus years here on earth I believe that there are instances that my guardian angel protected me from danger and harm. I remember walking at a sidewalk being almost hit by a vehicle. I stopped walking just in time. I don’t know if it was just instinct, but looking back I believe I owe it to my angel.

Let’s get to know and call on our guardian angels. They are just waiting for our prayer as they are messengers from God.

On another note, as we celebrate the feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael on September 29, let us get to know the above three archangels and the only ones named on the Scriptures. Below are some facts about the three Saints and a prayer that was posted at Teaching Catholic Kids:

ST. MICHAEL is the leader of all of the archangels and is in charge of protection, courage, strength, truth and integrity. Michael is often depicted as carrying a flaming sword to protect and safeguard humanity.

ST. GABRIEL is a messenger who delivered the good news of their impending births to Elizabeth and Mary. Gabriel’s name means “the strength of God” as he is one of the strongest of all of the archangels.

ST. RAPHAEL’S name means “the healing power of God” and he is known as a healing spirit and guide. Raphael is the patron saint of travelers because of his help with Tobias and his travels in the Hebrew Bible.

Help us, O Lord, to realize more fully the reality of the archangels and their desire to serve us.

Holy angels, pray for us. Amen.