# Novena to Our Guardian Angel and the Feast of Blessed John Henry Newman
*2015-09-23*

> Bill Young reflects on Pope Francis’s recent visit to Washington, celebrates the feast of Blessed John Henry Newman, and leads the community in a novena to the Guardian Angel.

## Pope Francis in Washington

We were thrilled to see Pope Francis in Washington, D.C., after his meeting with the President at the White House. He appeared in the Popemobile, and thousands of faithful gathered for hours to catch a glimpse of him. Later he celebrated Mass at the Basilica, and tomorrow he will address Congress. It was a truly uplifting experience for all of us.

## Feast of Blessed John Henry Newman

Today is the feast day of Blessed John Henry Newman (1801–1890). Newman began his ministry as an Anglican priest in England, but in his early forties he converted to the Roman Catholic Church, affirming it as the one true Church. Two years after his conversion he was ordained a Catholic priest and eventually became a cardinal. Many schools and colleges bear his name in honor of his great contribution to Catholic theology.

## Beginning the Novena to Our Guardian Angel

We are now beginning the novena to our Guardian Angel, which runs from September 23 through October 1, the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels. Let us pray together, invoking the Trinity:

"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen."

"O God, come to my aid; O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen."

We then recite the Apostles’ Creed, affirming our faith.

## Prayers to Our Guardian Angel

O Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God has committed me, be at my side day and night to light, guard, and guide me. Amen.

O most pure Angel, I ask your forgiveness for the sins I have committed in your presence, and I promise to avoid anything that displeases you. Amen.

Merciful Angel, my guide and defense, I love and honor you. Protect me from temptation, give me courage to do good, and bring my prayers before the throne of God. Grant me the graces needed for eternal salvation, and sustain me at the hour of death so that I may enter heaven with you. Amen.

Prayer of Thanksgiving:

O Angel of God, true friend and faithful companion, thank you for your tireless mercy and patience. Help me in all my spiritual and temporal needs, forgive my disobedience, and protect me throughout my life. May I always praise the Lord with you forever. Amen.

## Closing Thoughts

Let us keep the Pope’s words in our hearts, pray for his strength, and continue to rely on our Guardian Angel’s protection.

*May the Guardian Angel guide us each day, especially as we celebrate the witness of Blessed John Henry Newman.*