The Guardian Angel
October 2, 2018
Perugia Tryptich (detail), Fra Angelico
“HAS EVERY child of Adam a Guardian Angel? Yes, every one without exception, as long as his probation lasts–Heathens and Christians, princes and beggars, the idiot as well as the man of genius, the little child just born into the world as well as the old man on the verge of the grave. What respect this should give us for others! How we should tremble before the anger of their Guardian Angels, and count ourselves happy to win their approval!
Even when the Guardian Angel knows that his task is hopeless or almost hopeless, still he faithfully remains at his post. At least he can do something to save the poor soul from the full violence of the demons who have dominion over it, and it may be that, through some miracle of God’s mercy, repentance will come before it is too late. He never ceases, as long as life lasts, to do his utmost to turn the stubborn will to contrition and penance before it is too late. He never relaxes in his efforts or loses hope. Hence we too should not despair.
If evil happens to men, if they lose their souls, are their Guardian Angels responsible for it? No, they always faithfully perform their task. They continue to warn, to aid, to breathe into the soul of God’s holy inspirations with unremitting fidelity. It is because we neglect their warnings, reject their proffered help, that we do not profit more by their presence at our side. How often my Guardian Angel would have helped me if I had accepted his aid!
— From “Meditations on the Holy Angels” by Richard Clarke, S.J.
Today, on the Feast of the Guardian Angels, here is the “Prayer to Our Guardian Angel,” written by St. Gertrude:
O most holy angel of God, appointed by Him to be my guardian, I give thee thanks for all the benefits which thou have ever bestowed on me in body and in soul. I praise and glorify thee that thou dost condescend to assist me with such patient fidelity, and to defend me against all the assaults of my enemies. Blessed be the hour in which thou wast assigned to me for my guardian, my defender and my patron. In acknowledgement and return for all thy loving ministries to me, I offer you the infinitely precious and noble Heart of Jesus, and firmly purpose to obey thee henceforward, and most faithfully to serve my God. Amen.
