The Holy Guardian Angels

The Holy Guardian Angels – October 2nd

A feast of the Guardian Angels, distinct from that of St. Michael, was celebrated in Spain in the 16th century. In 1670 Clement X extended its celebration to the whole Church, placing it on October 2, the first free day after Michaelmas. – The prime duty of the angels, who have already entered into everlasting glory, is the adoration of God (Int., Off., Comm.) and so in the Preface of the Mass we ask God to allow us to join our praise to theirs*. But, as their name indicates, they are also God’s messengers, charged to carry out His behests (Off.) and to watch over us (Ep., Grad.), whence their name Guardian Angels. It is generally agreed that all Christian communities, countries, families, dioceses, churches and religious houses, have each their Guardian Angel**; it is certain that every baptized Christian has his own. To each of us the Church applies what was written of God’s people under the Old Law: “I am sending my angel to go before thee and guard thee on thy way, and lead thee to the place I have made ready for thee” (Ep.) ***. Our Guardian Angel is commissioned to protect and defend us always against the cunning enemies of our soul and all adversities, so that we may reach the promised land of everlasting life (Coll., Sec., Postcomm.). As our faithful companion, we owe him our gratitude, as a saint enjoying the vision of God in heaven, our veneration (Gospel). It is to remind us of this duty that to-day’s feast has been instituted.

* “I have seen the Seraphim,” says Isaias, “they stood near the sublime throne, where Jehovah was seated: their faces veiled they cried out to one another: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God of Hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory.” Isa. 6, 1-3.

** In some countries they celebrate the feast of the angel of the nation. St. Francis de Sales says that the bishop as such has another guardian angel. Ezechiel says that the angel of the Temple of Jerusalem has a writing case hanging from his girdle (Ezech. 11). These angels of the churches, adds St. Basil, write down our irreverences.

***St. Bernard: Sixth Lesson at Martins.