Memorial of the Guardian Angels
Quick Notes from Liturgical Living
As a new Catholic, there is so much for me to learn! I certainly studied the basics of the faith as I made my way through the R.C.I.A. process. However, living as a Catholic is new and unfamiliar territory. Thankfully, there are opportunities for me to engage with my faith every day by letting the liturgical calendar set the rhythm for our family life. Today, October 2nd, 2024, is the memorial (or feast) of the Guardian Angels.
Growing up, I had heard the term “guardian angel” and was not really sure what to make of it. Were guardian angels real- or was this just a sweet and wishful idea from our cultural imagination? I was also very double minded about Catholicism. I found certain elements to be attractive and others to be suspicious or even off-putting. The concept of guardian angels seemed to be a superstitious Catholic idea, which made it very questionable. But I still quietly hoped these beings were real. And when I came to embrace the Church, my guardian angel was surely smiling down on me.
The Church’s special feast day of the Guardian Angels is an occasion to learn more about the angels that God, in his great love, has sent to guard us. If this is your first time giving this topic real consideration, don’t worry- you aren’t alone!
Father Mike Schmitz explains guardian angels:
Here is a more in depth conversation on angels and demons, including the topic of guardian angels on the Lila Rose Podcast:
Bible verses about how God sends angels to guard us:
Thus says the LORD:
”See, I am sending an angel before you,
to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared.
Be attentive to him and heed his voice.
Do not rebel against him, for he will not forgive your sin.
My authority resides in him.
If you heed his voice and carry out all I tell you,
I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foes.
My angel will go before you and bring you to the
Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites,
Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites;
and I will wipe them out."Exodus 23:20-23
The disciples approached Jesus and said,
"Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?"
He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said,
"Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children,
you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.
Whoever humbles himself like this child
is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.
And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me”“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven
always look upon the face of my heavenly Father."Matthew 18:1-5, 10
Because you have the LORD for your refuge and have made the Most High your stronghold, no evil shall befall you, no affliction come near your tent.For he commands his angels with regard to you, to guard you wherever you go.With their hands they shall support you, lest you strike your foot against a stone.Psalm 91:1-12
Today we had our weekly Rosary in the Park. We commemorated the feast day by starting with the basic guardian angel prayer and concluding with a special prayer to the guardian angels of our children. Then, we walked downtown to buy looseleaf peppermint tea and a cup of coffee before getting David from school- a delightful morning indeed!
To celebrate at school, David made a golden halo and ate angel food cake with his classmates! Catholic school rocks (or at least it can)!
Q: David, what did you learn about guardian angels at school?
A: I learned that my guardian angel is in my backpack.
“How great the dignity of the soul, since each one has from his birth an angel commissioned to guard it”- St. Jerome
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.
What do you think about Guardian Angels? Have you had any experiences that you attribute to the help of your guardian angel?
Beautiful!
I have had many experiences of protection and I like to think it was my guardian angel 🙏💕
Love this Jo ! Thank you for sharing ♥️