Catholic Doctrine
According to Catholic theology, every individual is assigned a Guardian Angel at birth. These celestial companions are believed to guide, protect, and intercede on our behalf. Drawing inspiration from scripture, particularly Matthew 18:10,
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.”
We can also see in the life of Jesus how he was protected by these celestial beings in His infant, serving Him in the desert, and comforting him during His agony in the garden (CCC 333)
The belief in angels is a truth of faith, so we as Catholic, must believe in this celestial beings.
Guardian Angels in Action
Now, let’s dive into some incredible stories of saints and their encounters with Guardian Angels. One notable example is the experience of St. Padre Pio. He often spoke about his Guardian Angel, whom he affectionately called ‘my heavenly companion,’ guiding him through life’s challenges and offering spiritual insights.
Padre Pio, as we know, confessed for plenty of hours, and people from all over the world would come to him, and he was able to confess everyone in their own language.
Padre Pio once being told how he was able to confess them in their own language, he said, “You know, my guardian angel explained everything to me!“
Padre Pio would often tell people to send their guardian angel his way if they needed Padre Pio’s help.
A woman named Franca Dolce put the following question to St. Pio: “Father, a few nights ago I sent my Guardian Angel to confer about some important matters with your reverend. Did he come or not?” The confessor replied: “Do you, by chance, believe that your Guardian Angel is as disobedient as you?” The lady prodded for more information: “Good, so he came; and what did he say to you?” St. Pio replied: “Well, he told me what you told him to tell me.” Not satisfied with the response, she again asked: “But what did he say?” St. Pio answered: “He told me…”, and, to her astonishment, he repeated word for word all that she had said to the Holy Angel.
Padre Pio, in his letter to Annita, wrote the following about guardian angels: “How comforting it is to know that close to us, there is a spirit that, from the cradle to the tomb, never leaves us for a moment, not even when we dare to sin!“
Another saint who interacted with his guardian angel was St. Gemma Galgani. She had a profound relationship with her Guardian Angel, whom she named ‘St. Gabriel.’ St. Gemma enjoyed the constant and familiar companionship of her protector Angel. She saw him, they prayed together, and he even let her touch him. In short, St. Gemma Galgani’s Guardian Angel was an ever-present friend.
Her Guardian Angel was a sublime master of the spiritual life, teaching her how to live an upright life: She wrote that her angel said the following, “My child, remember that the soul that loves Jesus speaks little and suffers much. I order you, in the name of Jesus, never to give your opinion unless asked, and never to hold onto your opinion, but to yield.” And he further added: “When you have committed any fault, acknowledge it immediately, without waiting to be questioned. Remember to guard your eyes, for eyes that are mortified will look upon the beauty of Heaven.“
Let’s not forget St. Frances of Rome, known for her charitable works. She, too, had encounters with her Guardian Angel, receiving guidance that inspired her to establish a religious community dedicated to helping the needy.
“Be ever more convinced that your guardian angel is really present, that he is ever at your side. St Frances of Rome always saw him standing before her, his arms clasped at his breast, his eyes uplifted to Heaven but at the slightest failing, he would cover his face as if in shame and at times, turn his back to her.”
Saint John Bosco
How to deepen our relationship with our angel
The following are some key things we can do to have a more profound relationship with our celestial being.
- First and foremost, we can have a more profound relationship with our angel through prayer. The Angelus Dei (Angel of God) prayer is often taught to children, but adults can and should pray it as well. Perhaps you may feel called to speak more candidly with your guardian angel, asking for a specific form of intercession.
- Treat them like a friend, talk to him, say good morning, good night, tell him your worries, and ask him for his guidance. They are pure, and like they guided Padre Pio and all other saints, they to will guide us if we ask for their guidance.
- Lastly, be aware of his presence, he’s there beside you right now and whenever you commit a sin. And having this knowledge and awareness that our angel is always beside us, it will help us to commit less sins.
And we should always think like that, our audience are the saints, angles, and our Lord, not the people from this world. And if we think like that and we try to please our heavenly audience instead of this world, we will reach holiness.
Quotes
Here are a few quotes of Saints about Guardian Angels,
Saint John Vianney, “The first thing about the angels which we ought to imitate, is their consciousness of the presence of God.
Saint John Bosco, “Ignore the devil and do not be afraid of him: He trembles and flees at the sight of your Guardian Angel.”
Padre Pio, “They are the constant companions of our journeys and the mute witnesses of our everyday lives.”
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of Guardian Angels and the Catholic doctrine, it’s evident that these celestial beings play a significant role in the lives of saints. and our lives. Whether offering guidance, protection, or spiritual insights, the stories of these encounters remind us of the divine presence always watching over us.
Don’t forget to always ask for their intercession, and let us go with joy as St John Vianney said, “What joy it is to know that when we go out of the house we are never alone.”
