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.

St. Leger

St. Leger – October 2nd

Leger was sent by his parents to the court of the French King, and although he dedicated his life to the service of God, he always had much to do with the affairs of the rulers. The King sent the boy to Leger’s uncle, Bishop Didon, who took care of his education. When Leger was ordained, he was made an abbot and he ruled well, though rather severely. Next he was appointed Bishop of Autun. He brought peace and new fervor to the people of that city, who had been fighting among themselves before the Saint arrived.

About ten years later, King Clotaire died and St. Leger hurried to the royal palace to help the new King Childeric overcome his enemy, a mayor named Ebroin. As long as King Childeric listened to the advice of Leger, he governed well. But he was young and violent, and at last, he decided to sin and to do as he pleased. St. Leger’s enemies saw their chance. They told the King that Leger was a traitor, and the King sent him into exile.

When Childeric died, St. Leger was allowed to go back Autun. His people welcomed him back joyously. But the Saint’s real sufferings were just beginning. The evil Mayor Ebroin attacked Autun, and since Leger did not want his people to suffer on his account, he gave himself into his enemies’ hands. These cruel men’s first act was to put out the holy bishop’s eyes. He made no resistance and uttered not a sound. Next he and his brother were accused of a great crime, and his brother was put to death, while he himself was tortured. Yet Leger wrote to his mother, who had become a nun, that he forgave his enemies and felt full of courage and charity. Two years later he was put to death, after praying for his executioners.

Where did the Saints get the courage to suffer so much, and to forgive their enemies? From prayer. We, too, when we pray, will find it easy to forgive and to forget little injures for love of God.