# Act of consecration to the guardian angel
*2016-09-12*

> Bill Young discusses the role and number of guardian angels and offers a prayer of consecration to these heavenly protectors.

## How many guardian angels do we have?

September is dedicated to our guardian angels. In thinking about this, a question often comes up: how many guardian angels do we actually have? Most of us believe we have one. However, I recall Father Christ from the Marian shrines in Indianapolis stating that priests have two guardian angels because they require more protection, which makes sense.

While I was in Rome, I saw a picture of St. Francis of Assisi talking to two angels. I learned from a brother from New York that St. Francis was a deacon, not a priest. This leads me to believe that perhaps it is not just priests, but also deacons, brothers, and sisters who may have more than one. I believe God gives us what we need to win the great battle against the other side.

## Trusting in divine protection

During a tour of the ruins in Rome, I was walking up a hill where wealthy Romans once lived. While looking to the left, my foot slipped and I fell. I didn't suffer a serious injury, though I think I sprained my wrist. At first, I fussed with my guardian angel, asking why he didn't protect me. 

Sister Elizabeth reminded me that my guardian angel actually protected me a great deal, because the fall could have been much worse. She was right. I want to proclaim that my angel is always there to help me. Through God's will, everything happens for a reason; while I don't know the purpose of that fall yet, I am sure it will be revealed to me.

## Act of consecration to the guardian angel

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Oh holy guardian angel, from the beginning of my life, you were chosen to be my protector and companion. Here in the presence of my Lord and my God, my heavenly mother Mary, and all the angels and saints, I, a poor sinner, wish to consecrate myself to you. I want to take your hand and never let it go.

I promise to be always faithful and obedient to God and to our holy mother, the Church. I promise to be always faithful to Our Lady and to take her as the mother of my life. I promise to be devoted also to you, my holy protector, and to propagate the devotion to the angels as best I can, and devotion to those who are given to us in these times as protection and help in a spiritual war for the victory of the kingdom of God.

I pray to you, O holy angel, to grant me the strength of divine love so that it may kindle in me a steadfast faith, so that I may fall into sin no more. I ask that your hand may defend me from the enemy. I implore you to grant me the grace of Mary's humility so that I may avoid all dangers and through your guidance may reach the door of the house of our heavenly Father. Amen.

## Finding meaning in suffering

I want to share a saying from Mother Teresa, which was given to me by Father Terry of the Archdiocese of Sydney, who is stationed at the Domus in Rome. She said: "Pain and suffering have come into your life. But remember the pain, the sorrow, the sufferings are but a kiss of Jesus, a sign that you have come so close to him."

This is a very appropriate reminder. I thank my guardian angel for helping me find that quote to teach me that through every pain and suffering, we get closer to our Lord, Jesus Christ.

*Every pain and suffering we endure is a sign that we are drawing closer to our Lord, Jesus Christ.*