Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels - October 2nd

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Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels - October 2nd Oct 2, 2018 12:28:29 GMT

Post by Admin on Oct 2, 2018 12:28:29 GMT

The Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels

October 2nd

Adapted from THE LITURGICAL YEAR, Vol. XIV, by Dom Gueranger.

ALTHOUGH the solemnity of September 29 celebrates the praises of all the nine glorious choirs, yet the piety of the faithful, in the latter ages, desired to have a special day consecrated to the Guardian Angels. Several churches having taken the initiative, and kept the Feast under various rites and on different days, Paul V (I (1608) authorized its celebration ad libitum. Clement X (1670) established it by precept as a Feast of double rite on October 2, the first free day after Michaelmas, on which it thus remains in some way dependent. It has been a greater double since 1883.

It is of faith, on the testimony of the Scriptures and of unanimous Tradition, that God commits to His Angels the guardianship of men, who are called to contemplate Him together with these blessed spirits in their common fatherland. Catholic theology teaches that this protection is extended to every member of the human race, without any distinction of just and sinners, infidels and Baptized. To ward off dangers; to uphold man in his struggle against the demons; to awaken in him holy thoughts; to prevent him from sinning, and even, at times, to chastise him; to pray for him, and present his prayers to God: such is the office of the Guardian Angel. So special is his mission, that one Angel does not undertake the guardianship of several persons simultaneously; so diligent is his care, that he follows his ward from the first day to the last of his mortal existence, receiving the soul as it quits this life, and bearing it from the feet of the sovereign Judge to the place it has merited in Heaven, or to its temporary sojourn in the place of expiation and purification.

It is from the lowest of the nine choirs, the nearest to ourselves, that the Guardian Angels are for the most part selected. God reserves to the Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones the honour of following His Own immediate court. The Dominations, from the steps of His throne, preside over the government of the universe; the Virtues watch over the course of nature's laws, the preservation of species, and the movements of the heavens; the Powers hold the spirits of wickedness in subjection. The human race in its entirety, as also its great social bodies, the nations and the churches, are confided to the Principalities; while the Archangels, who preside over smaller communities, seem also to have the office of transmitting to the Angels the commands of God, together with the love and light which come down even to us from the first and highest hierarchy. O the depths of the wisdom of God! Thus, then, the admirable distribution of offices among the choirs of heavenly spirits terminates in the function committed to the lowest rank, the guardianship of man, for whom the universe subsists. Such is the teaching . . . the Apostle, in like manner, says: 'Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to minister for them, who shall receive the inheritance of salvation?' [Heb. i. 14]

But God, magnificent as He is towards the whole human race, honours in a special manner the princes of His people, those who are most favoured by His the work of salvation, the Guardian Angel has no fear of being left alone at his post; at his request, and at God's command, the troops of his blessed companions, who fill Heavn and earth, are ever ready to lend him their aide These noble spirits, acting under the eye of God Whose love they desire to second by all possible means, have secret alliances between them, which sometimes induce between their clients, even on earth, unions the mystery whereof will be revealed in the light of eternity.

'How profound a mystery,' says Origen, 'is the apportioning of souls to the Angels destined for their guardians! It is a Divine secret, part of the universal economy centered in the Man-God. Nor is it without ineffable order that the ministries of earth, the many departments of nature, are allotted to the heavenly Virtues; fountains and rivers, winds and forests, plants, living creatures of land and sea, whose various functions harmonize together by the Angels directing them all to a common end.' [in Josue, Hom. xxiii]

Again, on these words or Jeremias: How long shall the land mourn? [xii. 4] Origen, supported by the authority of his translator St. Jerome, continues [in Jerem. Hom. x. justa Hieron. viii]: 'It is through each one of us that the earth rejoices or mourns; and not only the earth, but water, fire, air, all the elements; by which name we must here understand not insensible matter, but the Angels who are set over all things on earth. There is an Angel of the land, who, with his companions, mourns over our crimes. There is an Angel of the waters to whom are applied the words of the Psalm: The waters saw Thee, and they were afraid, and the depths were troubled; great was the noise of the waters; the clouds sent out a sound, for Thy arrows pass.' [lxxvi. 17, 18]

How grand is nature viewed in this light! It is thus the ancients, more truthful as well as more poetical than our generation, always considered the universe. Their error lay in adoring these mysterious powers, to the detriment of the only God, under Whom they stoop that bear up the world. [Job ix. 13]

'Air and earth and ocean, everything is full of Angels,' says St. Ambrose. [in Psalm. cxviii, Serm. i. 9, 11, 12] 'Eliseus, besieged by a whole army, felt no fear; for he beheld invisible cohorts assisting him. May the prophet open thine eyes also; may the enemy, be he legion, not terrify thee; thou thinkest thyself hemmed in, and thou art free: there are more with us than with them.' [4 Kings vi. 16]

But let us return to our own specially-deputed Angel, and meditate on this other testimony: 'The noble Guardian of each one of us sleeps not, nor can he be deceived. Close thy door, and make the darkness of night; but remember, thou art never alone; he has no need of daylight in order to see thy actions.' And who is it that speaks thus? Not a father of the Church, but a pagan, the slave philosopher Epictetus. [Ap. Arrian. Diss. 1. 14]

In conclusion, let us listen to the Abbot of Clairvaux, who here gives free rein to his eloquence: 'In every place show respect to thy Angel. Let gratitude for his benefits incite thee to honour his greatness. Love this thy future coheir, the Guardian appointed for thee by the Father during thy childhood. For though we are sons of God, we are as yet but children, and long and dangerous is our journey. But God hath given His Angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. In their hands they shall bear thee up, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt walk upon the asp and the basilisk; and thou shalt trample under foot the lion and the dragon. [Psalm xc. 11-13] Yes; where the road is smooth enough for a child, they will content themselves with guiding thee, and sustaining thy footsteps, as one does for children. But if trials threaten to surpass thy strength, they will bear thee up in their hands. Oh those hands of Angels! Thanks to them, what fearful straits we have passed through, as it were without thinking, and with no other impression left upon us, than that of a nightmare suddenly dispelled!' [in Psalm. xc. Sermon xii]

And in his commentary on the Canticle of Canticles, St. Bernard thus describes the triumph of the Angel: 'One of the companions of the Spouse, sent from Heaven to the chosen soul as mediator, on witnessing the mystery accomplished, how he exults, and says: "I give thee thanks, O God of majesty, for having granted the desire of her heart!" Now it was he that, as a persevering friend, had not ceased, on the way, to murmur into the soul's ear: "Delight in the Lord, and He will give thee the requests of thy heart;" and again: "Expect the Lord, and keep His way"; and then: "If He make any delay, wait for Him, for He will surely come and will not tarry." Meanwhile he represented to our Lord the soul's desire, saying: "As the hart panteth after the fountains of water, so this soul panteth after Thee, O God; have pity on her, hear her cries, and visit her in her desolation." And now the faithful paranymph, the confidant of ineffable secrets, is not jealous. He goes from the Spouse to the bride, offering desires, bringing back gifts; he incites the one, he appeases the other. Sometimes, even in this world, he brings them into each other's presence, either by raising up the bride in ecstasy, or by bringing down the bridegroom; for he is one of the household, and well known in the palace; and he fears no rebuff, for every dav he beholds the face of the Father.' [in Cant. Serm. xxxi]

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"So let us be confident, let us not be unprepared, let us not be outflanked, let us be wise, vigilant, fighting against those who are trying to tear the faith out of our souls and morality out of our hearts, so that we may remain Catholics, remain united to the Blessed Virgin Mary, remain united to the Roman Catholic Church, remain faithful children of the Church."- Archbp. Lefebvre 1980

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Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels - October 2nd Oct 2, 2018 12:33:03 GMT

Post by Admin on Oct 2, 2018 12:33:03 GMT

Saint Francis de Sales and His Angel

"HE HATH given His Angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." Psalm 90:11

St. Francis of Sales had a particular devotion to his Guardian Angel; he celebrated the Feast with special care and piety; in spirit he received his blessing in the most important actions of his life; and not only was he devout to his good Angel, but also to the Angels of his friends. He had even a devotion to those of the heretics, his enemies; for he said that in disputing with the Huguenots he exorcised the demons who possessed and obsessed them, and afterward invoked their Angels. When he was absent from his diocese, he recommended it in an especial manner to the care of his holy Angel. He never failed to salute the Angels of the kingdoms, provinces, or parishes which he entered. In the confessional he frequently invoked the Guardian Angel of his penitent, and we may read in his letters how much be recommended to his pious friends devotion to their Guardian Angel. He said that in this world the Angels attend to almost everything, as they are the messengers of God, and invisible; and that to accomplish much for His Divine service and not wish to appear was to serve God in an angelic manner. -Fr. F.X. Lasance, citing New Month of the Holy Angels in his MY-PRAYER BOOK

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Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels - October 2nd Oct 2, 2018 12:44:39 GMT

Post by Admin on Oct 2, 2018 12:44:39 GMT

The Angels and the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Taken from CHARITY FOR THE SUFFERING SOULS, Fr. John A. Nageleisen, TAN Books, Imprimatured 1895,
and Catholic Treasures, #36, Excerpt from THE ANGELS, OUR GOD GIVEN COMPANIONS AND SERVANTS by Magdalen of the Cross, Imprimatured 1945.

Fr. Nageleisen Excerpt:

From the time of our birth, when we become wayfarers on the road that leads to our heavenly home, we are favored like young Tobias with a companion and guide. "Then Tobias going forth found a beautiful young man, standing girded, and as it were, ready to walk." (Tob. v. 5.) As soon as we begin our pilgrimage, behold the Angel is there, though invisible to us, ready to guide and protect us. What the Lord promised to the people of Israel is done also for us: "Behold, I will send My Angel, who shall go before thee, and keep thee in thy journey, and bring thee into the place I have prepared." (Exod. XXIII. 20.) Such is the service rendered us by our Guardian Angel on our way to Heaven. He goes before us showing us the way; he protects us from dangers, and finally conducts us to the place prepared for us in Heaven.

His power, by which he has an almost unlimited control of the visible world, corresponds with his sublimity and perfection. It is easier for our Angel to move and destroy this whole terrestrial sphere, than it is for us to give motion to a small globe. We know from the Old Testament that an Angel in one night destroyed one hundred and eighty-five thousand warriors of the Assyrian army, and it cost him less effort to do that than it would cost us to crush a worm beneath our foot. Besides, the velocity of these pure spirits is so great that an Angel can pass from one place to another in less time than is required for the human eye or thought to reach the object to which it is directed. For the Angels are God's ministers, employed by Him to accomplish the eternal designs of His Providence; and Holy Writ is full of examples showing us that God sent His Angels to protect His servants. Thus an Angel led Lot forth from Sodom; an Angel conducted Hagar in the desert and preserved her son Ismael from death; an Angel brought food to Daniel in the lion's den, and saved the three youths in the blazing furnace; an Angel fought at the side of the Maccabees and put to flight their enemy. In the New Testament we read that an Angel gave warning to the Three Wise Men from the East to return to their country by another way; an Angel appeared to Joseph commanding him to take the Divine Child and His Mother to Egypt; an Angel loosed the bonds of the prince of the Apostles and conducted him safely out of prison. Such is the power with which God has invested the guardian spirits of those that hear their warning, as He Himself commands, "Take notice of him, and hear his voice, and do not think him one to be contemned." (Exod. XXIII. 21.) They cherish a great love for us; they are intent on our welfare, assist us in distress, and relieve our necessities.

Sin, and sin alone, is capable of rousing against us the anger of our Angel. It is in his power both to punish us for sin, as also to reward us for our good deeds. "And woe to us," says St. Bernard, "woe to us, if we should provoke the anger of the Angels to such a degree as to cause them to deem us unworthy their further presence and ministrations, so that we are compelled to weep and moan with the royal prophet: 'My friends and my neighbors have drawn near and stood against me: and they that were near me stood afar off, and they that sought me used violence." (Ps. XXXVII. 12.) A punishment like this should make us fear and tremble.

In Holy Scripture we find many examples of Angels visiting sinners with the punishments they had incurred. An Angel killed seventy thousand by the plague during the time of David. An Angel killed one hundred and eighty-five thousand in the camp of Sennacherib. An Angel punished Heliodorus for his sacrilege by covering him with sores. Angels pour the vials of God's wrath over a sinful world. Finally, the Gospel assures us that the Angels will go forth at the end of the world to separate the just from the wicked, and to cast the latter into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. How dreadful, if the very Angels, to whose care we are now committed, should be the ones commissioned to execute this terrible sentence on us! Is this not a reason to fear their power? Should this thought not move us to fulfill with the utmost fidelity our duties towards our Angels?

If we but listen to and follow their inspirations, our Angels will be a most potent help for us in the hour of death. They will strengthen us against temptations; they will comfort us in our agony; they will conduct our Souls to judgment; they will console them in Purgatory. They are not content with performing in our behalf all the services imposed on them by God, but desiring most ardently to see us truly happy, they are intent on obtaining for us front God all the graces and favors conducive to our eternal welfare. The Guardian Angels therefore pray for their clients at the throne of God; according to St. John's vision in the Apocalypse, they bear their tears and sighs into the Divine Presence; they unite their own supplications with those of their wards to move God more effectually to mercy. They exclaim, according to the prophet, "How long wilt Thou not have mercy on Jerusalem" (Zach. I. 12.) and on this troubled soul? Now, God willingly hears the prayers of His servants and friends, and grants great favors to those for whom the Angels pray thus assiduously. The Angels, we may therefore be certain, are continually in attendance on the suffering Souls of their clients in Purgatory; it is their most ardent desire to alleviate their torments. From Purgatory they come to this world to gather diligently the good works performed for the Suffering Souls; they inspire the faithful to pray for them, to labor for them. Ascending to Heaven with their harvest of suffrages, they descend thence into Purgatory to fill the Suffering Souls with consolation by announcing to them the abbreviation of their torments.-----Of the patriarch Jacob we read that he saw in his sleep a ladder reaching from the earth to Heaven, on which Angels ascended and descended. They ascend to present to the Almighty their petitions in favor of the Suffering Souls, and they descend to bring to the Souls in Purgatory the favors which they obtained for them from God through the good works of the faithful on earth.

Boudon maintains that the Angels inform the Suffering Souls of the happenings in this world about which these Souls are concerned; that they reveal to them who are their benefactors, exhorting them to pray for their benevolent friends, in doing which these good spirits gladly lend their assistance. St. Augustine says, "The departed may be informed by the Angels of things happening in this world, in so far as this is permitted by Him to whose judgment everything is subject."

However, it may also happen that certain Suffering Souls are deprived of the aid of their Guardian Angels, of the. Blessed Virgin Mary and the Saints, because they were not devoted to them during their life on earth, or neglected to aid the Suffering Souls. Blessed Margaret Mary Alacoque saw Souls in Purgatory who were sentenced to forego the assistance of Mary and the Saints, because during life they had lived in discord with their superiors.

Magdalen of the Cross Excerpt:

Toward evening my Angel took me through a part of Purgatory. It is terrible. How insignificant is all earthly suffering in comparison with this torture. Not even the most intense heat on earth can be compared with this dark consuming fire. I was brought to the lowest place in Purgatory, where I recognized one of my relatives, born in the same year as I was, who I thought had long ago entered Heaven. She is one ot those who must suffer the longest, who received only a drop of relief from all the Masses offered for them; who may not according to God's justice derive any benefit from any of the good works done for them; who would not even wish to gain any relief whatsoever, because they know that God in His justice is forced to punish them so severely. Into this part of Purgatory the Angels come only on Feast days or during the holy seasons of the Church, to bring a little comfort to the Souls they formerly had in charge. It is a place of most agonizing sighs, of burning tears, a place I would call hell, if it were not for the hope that some day these sufferings will end, and certainly not go beyond the last day. You poorest of all Poor Souls!

I wanted to touch one of these Souls, to draw her to me and comfort her, but my Angel held my hands and said, "Do not touch her. You would immediately be burned to ashes. Your body could never stand such fire even if it were strengthened." In spite of the flames this place is enveloped in the deepest darkness and I should have seen nothing had not the brightness of my Angel shone around me. The Poor Souls in this horrible darkness are still to be considered very fortunate, because most people are damned who commit the sin of which these particular Souls are guilty. Their sin is as great as the sin of Lucifer.

In the last moment of life while a man is still living, he is judged. In the last moment a man can with God's grace awaken such a perfect act of love that he quickly passes through Purgatory. I once saw a person in Purgatory, who I thought would have to suffer a long time because on earth he had often seriously offended God by his cursing, blasphemy and anger. When I asked my Angel how long this soul would have to suffer, he answered, "Even in this very hour he will be taken to Heaven." I was greatly astonished at this, as the man had died only the day before. My Angel then explained that this man had awakened a very sincere act of sorrow in his last moments as he was about to be judged. He had loved his life and enjoyed himself much, but when about to die, he was really glad and anxious to die because he would no longer be able to offend his God and Savior. I asked whether he would have a low place in Heaven. "No, his throne will be with the Seraphim. During his life this man never refused an alms to anyone who begged for them." Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

The evening before the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus innumerable Souls will enter Heaven. The brother of Deus Dedit is among them, so his Guardian Angel has informed me. The palm of victory is prepared which his Angel will place in his hand when he brings his Soul before the throne of
God.

The thought suddenly entered my mind to offer up all my anguish and tears to the Divine Justice for the sake of the Poor Souls in Purgatory. I immediately followed the inspiration and begged the nine choirs of Angels to assist me in my prayer. I prayed so fervently and earnestly as never before. I felt as if I no longer knelt on the floor and neither did I feel the weight of my bodily pains. I wished to stop but my Angel said, "Keep on praying. Continue until the soul is freed to whom God is giving the benefit of your prayers." I felt so deeply moved that the only prayer I could find was to repeat over and over, "My Jesus mercy. You must be merciful, because You died for us miserable sinners."

This prayer I repeated with ever growing fervor and mixed with it many burning tears, for the cries of the Poor Souls penetrated into my ears. Suddenly I felt a great peace enter my soul and overcome with weariness I closed my eyes. My Angel said to me, "Open your eyes, and give thanks to God." As I opened them I saw a beautiful young man standing before me, who said, "Your prayers and sympathy and tears have opened Heaven for me. I am about to appear before the throne of God, but first I come to thank you a thousand times for your prayers. I have been in Purgatory for twenty-one years, forgotten by my friends and relatives. When you die, I shall come to assist you."

Prayers to the Angels for the Holy Souls

Novena to Your Guardian Angel for the Relief of the Holy Souls

To be said for nine consecutive days.

O HOLY ANGEL, whom God, by the effect of His goodness and His tender regard for my welfare, has charged with the care of my conduct, and who assists me in all my wants and comforts me in all my afflictions, who supports me when I am discouraged and continually obtains for me new favors, I return thee profound thanks, and I earnestly beseech thee, O most amiable protector, to continue thy charitable care and defense of me against the malignant attacks of all my enemies. Keep me away from all occasions of sin. Obtain for me the grace of listening attentively to thy holy inspirations and of faithfully putting them into practice, In particular, I implore thee to obtain for me the relief and deliverance of all the Souls in Purgatory, the ones who prayed for the Souls themselves while still on earth; the forgotten and abandoned Souls; the Souls of my relatives and friends; the Souls of priests and religious; the Souls of all those to whom I am obligated by charity to pray for and may have neglected by laxity in memory; and most especially for the Soul I here name in this novena. [Mention the person or think of him.] Protect me in all the temptations and trials of this life. but most especially at the hour of my death, and do not leave me until thou hast conducted me into the presence of my creator in the mansions of everlasting happiness. Amen.

Aspirations Offered With the Intention of Relieving the Holy Souls

Hail, glorious Angel, appointed by God to be my guardian!
Hail, holy Angel, my protector in all dangers!
Hail, holy Angel, my defense in all afflictions!
Hail, holy Angel, my most faithful friend!
Hail, holy Angel, my guide!
Hail, holy Angel, my preceptor!
Hail, holy Angel, witness of all my actions!
Hail, holy Angel, my helper in every difficulty!
Hail, holy Angel, my counselor in doubt!

Hail, holy Angel, my shield at the hour of death!

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Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels - October 2nd Oct 2, 2018 12:59:22 GMT

Post by Admin on Oct 2, 2018 12:59:22 GMT

The Feast of the Guardian Angels
Father Francis Xavier Weninger, 1876

Feast Day: October 2nd

The Holy Church has instituted a special festival to recall to our mind the grace which God's infinite mercy has bestowed upon us by appointing the holy Angels for our temporal and spiritual protection. This festival should remind us to give thanks to God for this great benefit and to show our gratitude to the holy Angels for their care and solicitude. That this may be performed with due zeal and devotion, consider well the following remarks. The Almighty created a countless number of heavenly spirits, by nature immortal, and bestowed upon them especial graces. I say, a countless number; for it is said in Holy Writ: "Is there any numbering of His Soldiers!" (Job. xxv.) By "soldiers," are understood His Angels. Somewhere else it is written: "Thousands of thousands ministered to Him and ten thousand times a hundred thousand stood before Him." (Daniel, vii.) These Heavenly Spirits are divided into three classes, and each class into three Choirs; hence they consist of nine Choirs.

The first, and highest is composed of the Seraphim; the second, of the Cherubim; the third of the Thrones; the fourth, of the Dominations; the fifth of the Principalities, the sixth, of the Powers; the seventh, of the Virtues; the eighth, of the Archangels; and the ninth, of the Angels. All surround the throne of the most High, constantly praise His infinite Majesty, and are ever ready to execute His commands; still, each of these Choirs has its separate function, as we are taught by Theologians. From the last, or ninth Choir, God has assigned to each human being, a Guardian to protect him. Hence they are called Guardian Angels. Thus the Holy Church teaches, and it cannot be doubted that this teaching is true, as it is founded on the words of Holy Writ. To each human being is given an angel, a prince of heaven to protect him in soul and body, to cheer him in adversity, to console him in sorrow, to strengthen him in temptations, to assist him in danger, to prevent him from doing evil, to incite him to do good, and thus lead him to heaven, if he is obedient to his Guardian Angel.

Just as in former times. God gave to the Israelites a special Angel to guard them and to lead them into the promised land, according to the words: "Behold, I will send my Angel, who shall go before thee and keep thee in thy journey; and bring thee into the place that I have prepared;" (Exodus, xxiii;) so He gives to each man an Angel to protect him on the road of this life, to lead him happily to Heaven, of which the promised land was the type. Pause here, my dear reader, and consider the greatness of this mercy of God towards us. As long as the world has existed, we have never heard of a monarch, who gave one of his noble courtiers the command to be continually at the side of a common peasant, or other man of low estate, to take care of him and lead him safely to a far-off land. But what was never heard of in a temporal king, this and much more our holy faith teaches us is done for us by the great and merciful God, the King of heaven and earth. He has given to every one, even to the most wretched being, one of the Princes of heaven, to take care of him, constantly to accompany him, and to open for him the gates of the eternal world.

How priceless a grace! How infinite a goodness! Judge yourself, my dear reader, if you have not every reason to offer thanks to the great God, Who has shown such infinite kindness towards you, and who is thus solicitous for your salvation. Today especially, ought you to render thanksgivings to Him; and for this purpose the festival which we celebrate was instituted. Reflect, also, how the Angels, to whose care God has confided us, regard us. They are perfectly satisfied with those whom God has given into their charge, be they poor or rich, of high or of low standing. They perform their mission with the greatest love and solicitude. "They love us," says St. Bernard, "because Christ has loved us." They prove their love by deeds; they avert many dangers of body and soul from us, and protect us most miraculously; they prevent us from doing wrong, and animate us to do good; they fortify us to resist the temptations of satan. When we have been guilty of sin, they incite us to do penance, to appease the wrath of God, and to turn from us His well-merited punishment; they rejoice when we do penance, and convert our hearts to God; they offer our prayers, fasts, and other good works to the Almighty, and pray to Him for us. They do not leave us, asleep or awake, well or sick; they assist us in life and in death, and accompany our souls to the Judgment-seat of the Most High.

Holy Writ is full of examples which prove all that I have here said. Many more examples are found in the history of the church, and in the Lives of the Saints. An Angel saved the famished Ishmael from danger of death. An Angel preserved the life of the obedient Isaac, by checking the drawn sword of his father. An angel led the pious Lot out of Sodom, and thus saved him from being burned with the rest of the inhabitants. An Angel protected the Israelites against all their enemies. An Angel fed the prophet Elias in the wilderness, and strengthened him to proceed on his long journey. An Angel delivered the pious king Ezekias and the city of Jerusalem from many thousand enemies, by slaying them all in one night. An Angel preserved the prophet Daniel unharmed in the midst of the lions, and brought the prophet Habacuc to feed him. An Angel kept the three companions of the same holy prophet uninjured in the furnace of Babylon. An Angel accompanied the young Tobias as guide during his journey, and instructed him in what manner he should marry the chaste Sarah, to prevent the Evil one from harming him, as had been done to seven others, who had been slain by the devil. Besides benefiting him in various other ways, he saved him also from the danger of being devoured by a monstrous fish. It was the same Angel who had offered the prayers of the elder Tobias to the Almighty, and who afterwards, restored him to sight. An Angel shielded the chaste Judith in great dangers of soul and body. An Angel instructed the Centurion Cornelius how to save his soul. An Angel delivered St. Peter from prison and the danger of death. An Angel preserved the life of St. Paul, and of others, who were with him in the ship. Many other similar events are found in Holy Writ, and in the Lives of the Saints. And what are all these but proofs of the love and solicitude of the Angels for us?

Reflect upon your past life, and see if you yourself have not received sufficient proof of the devotion and care of your holy Guardian Angel? That you have not lost your life in many dangers which encompassed you; that you have been guarded from many sins; that you did not die in your sin, but have time to do penance; that you have received so many spiritual and temporal favors and benefits from the Almighty: all these, and many other favors, are to be ascribed to the powerful protection, the love and care of your holy Guardian Angel and to his intercession with God in your behalf.

In consideration of so many blessings, of such watchful protection, such indescribable devotion and solicitude, you must reasonably conclude that you owe especial gratitude to your holy Guardian Angel. Of course, you have first to render thanks to the Almighty, who placed you under the protection of so noble and kind a Prince of heaven. But St. Bernard exhorts us also to show ourselves grateful towards those, who, obeying the command of God, watch over us so lovingly, and assist us in all our needs. "Let us be full of devotion and gratitude towards such powerful protectors," says he; "let us return love for love, and endeavor to honor them with our whole heart." When God promised to the Israelites to send an Angel to protect them on their journey and lead them to the promised land, He added: "Take notice of him and hear his voice, and do not think him one to be contemned; for he will not forgive when thou hast sinned, and my name is in him; " which means that he represents God. (Exod. xxiii.) These words show you how you must prove your gratitude in deeds.

"Honor him," this is the first thing which God demands. "Honor him," because he is an Angel of God, a representative of God, a great Prince of heaven. " Honor him," because God has raised him to great glory; he sees the face of the Most High, and often acts in His name. "Honor him." You honor your Guardian Angel if you call with confidence on him in all your cares, especially when your soul or your body is endangered, in great temptations, in life and death. Tobias had hardly perceived the danger of being devoured by a monstrous fish, when he called to his faithful guide, who was an Angel: "Sir, he cometh upon me!" He asked help and received it instantly. Why should you not call, with equal confidence, to your Guardian Angel, especially when the hellish monster, the roaring lion, as Holy Writ calls him, the devil, the Evil One, tempts you to sin, and thus endeavors to devour you?" As often as a great temptation or sorrow approaches you," writes St. Bernard, "call to your guide, your protector, and say: " Sir, help me, or I go to destruction!"

"Obey his voice," says the Lord. He speaks to your soul by interior movements or inspirations. For instance, if you are in danger of sin, he calls to you: "Depart from evil, avoid sin." If you are surrounded by occasions of evil, he calls to you: "Withdraw from here! Flee hastily." If you have committed sin, he exhorts you: "Do penance! Return without delay to your God!" In like manner, he admonishes you interiorly, to practice good works, to be more zealous in the service of God, more solicitous for your salvation. Obey this voice, this call of your holy Guardian Angel. If you do not, you despise him, which is contrary to the command of God, who will surely net leave it unpunished, as it is an offense done, in some respect, to His Majesty. Always obey the voice of your Guardian Angel, and offend him not by disobedience, as otherwise you will not be worthy of his protection.

In conclusion, I will give you a memorable admonition of St. Bernard. He urges you, constantly to call to mind the presence of your Angel, and duly to honor him everywhere. This, however, says he, should be done principally by avoiding sin. For it is contrary to all the respect you owe him, to sin in his presence. "In all places," these are the words of the holy teacher, "In all places, manifest to your Angel that honor which is due to him, and dare not commit in his presence what you would not dare to do if I were near." Elsewhere, he says: "Let us walk in such a manner before the eyes of the Angels, that we do not offend their sight." "We must guard ourselves not to offend them, and hence we must assiduously perform all those exercises which we know are agreeable to them, as temperance, chastity, voluntary poverty, devout prayers, &c." Impress these words deeply in your heart; for they contain the best advice as to the means you should employ to honor your holy Guardian Angel, and to assure yourself of his loving and powerful protection during your life, and at the hour of your death. Avoid everything that you know is displeasing to him, and practice, with great zeal, all that you are convinced will be agreeable to him.

PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS.

I. The Almighty has placed you under the protection of an Angel. Render thanks to Him this day for so great a benefit. Give thanks also to your Guardian Angel for all the love and care which until now he has always bestowed upon you. Show him always due honor, in accordance with the admonitions of the Lord. Let no day pass on which you do not, at least morning and evening, place yourself under his powerful protection. Do the same if you are harassed by care, sorrow, sadness or temptation, and in all dangers that beset your soul or body.

Pray frequently to him to guard you especially in the dangerous combat you will have to wage with the spirit of hell in your last hour. The holy Church counsels you to do this, when in the name of all the faithful she thus invokes the holy Guardian Angels: "O, all ye holy angels, our protectors; guard us in the combat, that we may not be lost in the fearful Judgment." Remember that your Angel is always near you, especially in Church and when you are tempted to sin. Do nothing of which you would be ashamed in the presence of an upright and dignified person. Obey the voice of your Angel, as God himself commands. The Angel speaks to you deep in your heart; he admonishes you through sermons, confessors and devout books. Despise not his exhortations, but follow when he calls you.

Avoid whatever may displease him, and do all that is agreeable to him. Sin, as an offense to God, is displeasing to him, especially all sin against chastity. Avoid it. Good works, zeal in the service of God, the frequent and pious partaking of the holy Sacraments, a modest deportment in Church, are all pleasing to him; hence, practice them faithfully. In this manner, you will make yourself worthy of the powerful protection of your Guardian Angel, during your life and at the hour of your death.

II. Your holy angel is most perfectly obedient to the Almighty. Following the command of God, he has taken charge of you, and experience has convinced you that he performs his mission well. Be you also obedient to your God. He has entrusted to you a precious, immortal soul, and has commanded you to take good care of it. Take heed that it suffers nothing; this will be for your own benefit. If you have children, servants, or others under you, God has also given them into your care. Be obedient to God and do your duty. Before all things be solicitous for their salvation.

Your Guardian Angel is a pure spirit. He has the greatest horror for the least shadow of impurity. Imitate him. Detest every thing, however trifling it may appear, that is unchaste. Do not regard anything as trifling, which may injure chastity; for, nothing can be a trifle, that is displeasing to the Divine Majesty or to your Guardian Angel.

Your holy Angel accompanies you joyfully to Church. He there worships, with great veneration, in the company of many other Angels, your Savior truly present. . Imitate him. Rejoice to go to Church and there worship your God, with angelic reverence and devotion. Say your prayers in such a manner, that your holy Angel may offer them to the Almighty with pleasure. Do not profane your devotions, by unnecessary conversation, by idly gazing around, by indecent manners or other similar irreverences. God requires an unspotted sacrifice, and your holy Angel will not present any other to the Divine Majesty.

Although your Guardian Angel has charge of you, and is constantly with you, he nevertheless enjoys the divine presence and glorifies and praises God unceasingly. Imitate him, by frequently thinking of God during your day's work; by working in His presence and by praising Him, as well by those prayers which you say at stated times of the day, as also by renewing your good intentions, and by short pious ejaculations. If you follow your holy Angel on earth, you will also enjoy his society in heaven. The Venerable Bede writes; "If we desire to attain to the society of the holy Angels in heaven, we must neglect nothing to follow them on earth."

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Little Litany of the Guardian Angels

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.

Holy angels of God:
Be with us always.

In all our journeys,
Holy angels, be with us.

In all our studies,
Holy angels, be with us.

In all our meditations,
Holy angels, be with us.

In all our labors,
Holy angels, be with us.

In all our pleasures,
Holy angels, be with us.

In all our temptations,
Holy angels, be with us.

In all our troubles,
Holy angels, be with us.

In all our sufferings,
Holy angels, be with us.

In all our good deeds,
Holy angels, be with us.

In the hour of danger,
Holy angels, be with us.

In the hour of trial,
Holy angels, be with us.

In the hour of death,
Holy angels, be with us.

Let us pray:

O almighty and eternal God, send Thy holy angels to guard and protect us, and grant that we may see them in heaven. Amen