Guardian angelsJohn Paul affirms that “in the key moments [the angels] surround Christ and accompany him in the fulfilment of his salvific mission in regard to mankind”.
Angels, created by God according to the importance and necessity of each situation, therefore “accompany” and “surround” the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ. In this way the mission is complete, embracing the whole Christ, Head and Body.
This dynamic refers not only to the Ecclesial Community as such, but also individual Church members. But as part of the historical and ecclesiological profile it must also be mentioned that angels journey together with the Church in her mission of salvation and at the same time travel side-by-side with her members; all human beings have their own guardian angel to guard, protect and enlighten them.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church proclaims that “from infancy to death human life is surrounded by their [angels’] watchful care and intercession. Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life. Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God” (CCC, n. 336).
Such protection will benefit those who respond to the Holy Spirit’s direction and for those who willingly collaborate. In her liturgy, the Church prays to the angels for herself and others, calling upon their protection and intercession: it is sufficient to follow the liturgy of the Mass to be convinced.
The same Church makes the special prayer to the guardian angel available to the faithful and to all who wish to recite it. As a result, praying it at least twice a day, morning and evening, should not be “an option”.
The prayer is as follows:
Angel of God, my Guardian Dear, to Whom God’s Love, commits me here. Ever this day, be at my side; to light, to guard, to rule, to guide. Amen.