# Our guardian angel
*2008-06-18*

> Bill Young discusses the spiritual support available to Catholics and shares personal stories about the presence and guidance of guardian angels.

## Sources of spiritual guidance

As Catholics, we have a great deal of help available to us. We have the sacraments, such as Reconciliation and the Eucharist—the Body and Blood of Christ—and we have adoration. We also have the intercession of the saints, as well as the guidance of priests, sisters, brothers, and deacons here on earth. In addition to these resources, we have our guardian angels.

## Signs of an angel's presence

For a long time, I didn't fully utilize the resource of my guardian angel. However, a few years ago, while praying a rosary and asking my guardian angel for help before my son's minor operation, I noticed a tiny, miniature feather floating back and forth before landing on my prayer book. While I wondered if it was from a parakeet outside, it felt like a sign that my angel was listening. Later, my wife and mother-in-law witnessed similar occurrences of tiny feathers appearing and floating in different locations, which reinforced my belief that our guardian angels are truly with us.

## Praying for others' guardian angels

I recall a time last January while driving south on I-95 in Florida. I hit a pocket of thick fog and could not see anything, which was terrifying since my wife, mother-in-law, and son were all asleep in the car. I began praying to my guardian angel for help. I remembered reading that Pope John XXIII would pray to another person's guardian angel before meeting them to help communication go well. Following that example, I prayed not only to my own angel but to the guardian angels of everyone in the car. Shortly after, my wife woke up and suggested I turn on the heater; once I did, the fog on the glass cleared, and I could see the road again.

## Prayer to our guardian angel

Most gracious angel, my guardian, tutor, master, my guide, my defense, my wisest companion, my consoler, and most faithful friend, the Lord in his goodness has entrusted me to your care from the day of my birth to the last hour of my life. How much respect I owe you, knowing that you are close to me at all times, whatever I am. How much I need to thank you for the love for which you cherish me. What great confidence it gives me to know that you are my assistant and my defender.

Holy angel, instruct me, correct me, protect me, keep me safe, guide me along the right path which leads to the holy city of God. Let me not do things which would offend you in your holiness and purity. Present my desires to the Lord, offer him my prayers, show him my weaknesses, obtain for me the purification of my soul through his infinite goodness and the holy intercessions of Mary, most holy, your queen.

Watch over me when I sleep. Revive me when I'm tired. Strengthen me when I'm going to fall. Raise me up when I have fallen. Show me the way when I am lost. Comfort me when I'm hurt. Enlighten me when I do not see. Defend me when I'm in trouble, now, and especially on the last day of my life. Be my shield against the devil. With your defense and guidance, help me enter into your light-filled dwelling place where I may express my gratitude to you and glorify Christ our Lord and the blessed Virgin Mary, our queen, together with you forever and ever. Amen.

*We can find peace and protection by praying not only to our own guardian angels but also to the guardian angels of those around us.*