Our Guardian Angel and The Holy Archangels

By Tom Dennehy

Our guardian angel is one of the greatest gifts that God has given us. From the moment of our birth, our guardian angel is with us to guide and protect us on our journey back to God and to our Heavenly home. He protects us from all the temptations and dangers that will affect us on our journey back to God.

"The Catechism of the Catholic Church" states that, “from childhood until the hour of death, human life is surrounded by their protection and by their intercession”. In the Gospel, we read how Jesus speaks of little children. He says, “see that you do not despise one of these little ones, for their angels in Heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father”.(Mt 18,10). The Bible also teaches us the role of angels. Their principle mission is to glorify God and serve Him. Their secondary mission is to protect all men and women and to bring them to eternal salvation. We can therefore pray to them, and call upon them to ask for their help.

At Holy Mass where Heaven comes down to earth, the angels are present in huge numbers. Our angel is present with us and will intercede for our intentions to be heard at the Offertory of the Mass. I

t is important to note that not all angels are holy. The Devil is an angel who rebelled against God and was cast out of Heaven along with one third of the angels created by God. We also have three great Archangels we can pray to and who will also intercede for us as we celebrate their feast day on September 29th. We can be grateful to God in so many ways but we must thank Him especially for creating such beautiful creatures who serve God and intercede for us before the throne of God.

Saint Michael

He is the best known archangel, a spiritual warrior in the battle of good versus evil. He is considered a champion of justice, a healer of the sick, and the guardian of The Church. Saint Michael is depicted with a sword, a banner and scales, and is shown vanquishing Satan in the form of a dragon.

Prayer to Saint Michael

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 the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Saint Raphael.

His name means, “God heals.” Among the three archangels named in The Bible, St. Raphael is probably the least known. This is due to the fact that St. Raphael is only in the Old Testament. In the Book of Tobit, he reveals himself as a healer of mind, body and spirit. He is patron saint of the blind, of happy meetings, of nurses, of physicians and travellers.

Prayer to St Raphael.

Glorious Archangel St 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 my 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 affect my body. I especially ask of you this favour ( mention your intention) and the great grace of purity to prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Saint Gabriel.

He was given the most important mission; bringing the good news to Mary that she would bear a son, who would be conceived of the Holy Spirit, and would be son of the Most High, and Saviour of the World. (Luke 1;2638). Gabriel was the angel who announced the good news to the shepherds near Bethlehem on the birth of Jesus. (Luke 2;9-14) and he comforted Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane before His passion, to strengthen him (Luke 22;43)

Prayer to our 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, to guard, to rule and guide. Amen.