"Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life," declared St Basil in the 4th century. The Catholic Church has always taught the existence of such guardian angels, not only for individuals but also for nations (Portugal’s guardian angel was seen by the visionaries at Fatima) and for Catholic institutions. Perhaps the Catholic Herald has a guardian angel.
To acknowledge our guardian angels is to believe in their existence and to ask them for help, protection and guidance on a daily basis, and especially before every challenge or peril we face. We might also offer prayers to the guardians of others about whom we worry.
There are simple prayers that are easy to remember and which can be offered on the hoof, including this one, for instance: “My good angel, whom God has appointed to be my guardian, watch over me at this time.”
By acknowledging our guardian angels we come to appreciate them, and also to deepen our humility by understanding that we are truly dependent on God for our growth in virtue and holiness. So the best way to acknowledge your angel is to make it your friend.
