My Guardian Dear

 Domenichino (1581–1641)

October 2nd is the feast of our Holy Guardian Angels. God gives every person, not only the baptized, an angel to lead, guard, and guide them throughout their lives. ​

Many Saints had a close relationship with their guardian angel. Pope St. John XXIII often asked his guardian angel to go ahead of him to meetings, especially if he expected them to be difficult or concerning important matters. St. Gemma Galgani spoke frequently with her guardian angel and conversed with him as she would a close friend. On one occasion, her angel encouraged devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary saying, “Are you fond of Jesus’ mother? Salute her very often, for she values such attention very much, and unfailingly returns the salutations offered to her; and if you do not sense this, know that she makes a proof of your unfailing trust.” St. Padre Pio not only spoke to his angel but saw him as well. He credits his angel with teaching him languages and bringing him messages about people for whom he needed to pray. St. Josemaria Escriva even extended his devotion to others’ guardian angel by saluting them interiorly as he greeted the person in front of him.

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, to rule and guide. Amen.

The Guardian Angel prayer many of us learned as little children is an excellent daily prayer to acknowledge and thank our guardian angels for all they have done and will do for us in our lifetime. We can also invoke our angel’s help in times of trouble, share with them our joys, and trust them with our deepest cares and concerns, knowing that they will present them with the greatest love to Jesus and Mary. 

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