# The Role of Guardian Angels in Our Lives
*2015-09-02*

> Bill Young reflects on the feast of the Guardian Angels, the martyrdom of Blessed John Francis Burté, and explains how angels protect, guide, and intercede for us.

## Feast of the Guardian Angels and Blessed John Francis Burté

Good morning, I’m Bill Young. Today is Wednesday, September 2, the month traditionally dedicated to the angels. It is also the feast day of Blessed John Francis Burté and his companions, who were martyred during the French Revolution—192 of them in 1792 and 1794. We will pray for them and for our own guardian angels.

## What Scripture Says About Angels

From the Incarnation to the Ascension, angels have surrounded Christ. Scripture tells us that when the firstborn entered the world, “let all the angels of God pay him homage.” The angels praised the newborn King, protected Him in childhood, served Him in the desert, and comforted Him in the garden of Gethsemane. They have always been sent to announce the Good News, from the Incarnation to the Resurrection, and will proclaim Christ’s return at the Second Coming.

## The Constant Presence of Guardian Angels

Every faithful person has a guardian angel assigned by God. This angel is a friend we cannot see, yet whose duties are far greater than we imagine. He presents our prayers, praises, and desires to God, watches over us, and inspires us to do good. Because of his love for God, he remains in continual adoration and never leaves the throne of the Lord, even while serving humanity.

After this life, our guardian angel will lead us into the heavenly homeland. Therefore we should love, invoke, and respect our angels. When we feel alone, they are watching over us; when we act sinfully, we wound them. Let us behave with dignity and heed the gentle promptings of our guardian angel, who often speaks through our hearts, other people, or the Scriptures.

## How to Honor Our Angels

We honor angels by praying for them, especially on their feast days—St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael on September 29, and the Memorial of the Guardian Angels on October 2. Teaching children to pray to their guardian angels, and asking the Church, families, and even the Pope to invoke their protection, helps keep their presence alive in our lives.

A simple daily prayer of thanksgiving, a moment of silence to ask for guidance, or even a quick petition for a parking spot can open us to their assistance. Saints such as St. John Bosco, St. Charles Jernet, and St. John Pope Pryor speak of the faithful love and help angels give to those who call upon them.

## Closing Prayer

Let us pray: “Holy, holy, holy Lord, we join the choirs of angels in praising You. May our guardian angels present our prayers to Your throne, protect us from danger, and lead us ever closer to heaven. Bless all the angels, especially our guardian angels, and may they ever guide us in the path of righteousness. Amen.”

*Our guardian angels are ever‑present friends who lead us toward God; trusting them deepens our prayer life and our journey to heaven.*