This isn’t just something fun we tell our children, it’s true! Every Christian has a guardian angel.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church,
“From its beginning until 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.” (CCC 336)
Where did we get the idea that every Christian has a guardian angel? Directly from Jesus himself in the Bible!
In Matthew 18.10, Jesus tells his disciples to give special attention to caring for “the little ones,” because “in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.” (emphasis added)
This is a reaffirmation of a teaching from the Old Testament, which repeatedly states that angels offer God’s people special care and attention (cf. Ps 34:7, Ps 91:10-13, Job 33:23-24, et al.).
So, how should you interact with your guardian angel?
First, the Church says you shouldn’t name them. The only angels we should name are those found in Scripture (Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael).
But even if you don’t know the name of your guardian angel, you can still pray to them! You can ask for their guidance, protection, and even to attend Holy Mass if you’re sick or unable to attend.
There has never been a more important time than the present to truly call on your Guardian Angel for support amid the ongoing spiritual battle for human souls!
Saint Padre Pio suggests,
“Develop the beautiful habit of always thinking of him; that near us is a celestial spirit, who, from the cradle to the tomb, does not leave us for an instant, guides us, protects us as a friend, a brother; will always be a consolation to us especially in our saddest moments.”
You may be familiar with this traditional prayer to one’s guardian angel, below. We’ve also included a few more.
“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, rule and guide. Amen.”
Novena Prayer to One’s Guardian Angel
O HOLY ANGEL, whom God, by the effect of His goodness and His tender regard for my welfare, has charged with the care of my conduct, and who assists me in all my wants and comforts me in all my afflictions, who supports me when I am discouraged and continually obtains for me new favors, I return thee profound thanks, and I earnestly beseech thee, O most amiable protector, to continue thy charitable care and defense of me against the malignant attacks of all my enemies. Keep me away from all occasions of sin. Obtain for me the grace of listening attentively to thy holy inspirations and of faithfully putting them into practice. In particular, I implore thee to obtain for me the favor which I ask for by this novena. [Here mention your petition.] Protect me in all the temptations and trials of this life, but more especially at the hour of my death, and do not leave me until thou hast conducted me into the presence of my Creator in the mansions of everlasting happiness. Amen.
Guardian Angel Prayer
O HOLY Guardian Angel, my dear friend and solicitous guide on the dangerous way of life, to thee be heartfelt thanks for the numberless benefits which have been granted me through thy love and goodness and for the powerful help by which thou hast preserved me from so many dangers and temptations. I beg of thee, let me further experience thy love and thy care. Avert from me all danger, increase in me horror for sin and love for all that is good. Be a counselor and consoler to me in all the affairs of my life, and when my life draws to a close, conduct my soul through the valley of death into the kingdom of eternal peace, so that in eternity we may together praise God and rejoice in His glory. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
O Angel of God, make me worthy of thy tender love, thy celestial companionship and thy never-failing protection!
Send your Guardian Angel to Mass
Go, my Angel Guardian dear,
To church for me, --—the Mass to hear.
Go, kneel devoutly at my place
And treasure for me every grace.
At the Offertory time
Please offer me to God Divine.
All I have and all I am,
Present it with the Precious Lamb.
Adore for me the great Oblation.
Pray for all I hold most dear
Be they far or be they near.
Remember too, my own dear dead
For whom Christ's Precious Blood was shed.
And at Communion bring to me
Christ's Flesh and Blood, my food to be.
To give me strength and holy grace
A pledge to see Him face to face
And when the Holy Mass is done
Then, with His blessing, come back home.