# Prayer to Our Guardian Angel – Praying for Puerto Rico and Florida
*2017-09-05*

> Bill Young reflects on the feast of St. Mother Teresa, shares a meditation from his parish’s First Saturday devotion, and leads a heartfelt prayer to our guardian angels for those affected by the looming hurricane in the Caribbean and Florida.

## Feast of St. Mother Teresa and September, the Month of Angels

Today, September 5, is the feast day of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta. I was reminded of her when I attended a Mass in Rome last September. While driving from Orlando to visit my son, I saw clouds forming a cross, an angel, and a chain of clouds that seemed like a choir of saints. It felt like a rare moment when heaven and earth met. September is also dedicated to the angels, especially our guardian angels, who accompany us in every daily task—from driving to matching socks after laundry.

## First Saturday Devotion at St. Gregory’s

Before heading to Orlando, I went to St. Gregory’s Catholic Church for the First Saturday devotion. The program includes morning confessions, an 8:30 a.m. Mass, a 9:00 a.m. rosary, and a 15‑minute meditation. One meditation I liked imagines Mary caring for the infant Jesus and repeatedly calling out to Joseph for help, “Joseph, where is our son?” It reminds us that even the Holy Family faced anxiety and relied on divine guidance. This was my fifth First Saturday, and I plan to keep attending.

## A Moment of Frustration and a Glimpse of Grace

While shopping at Walmart, I grew impatient in a line for the “20 items or less” lane. A gentleman ahead of me could have let me go ahead, but he didn’t. In that frustration I found a reminder of patience and charity. Later I picked up a magazine called *Simple Grace* featuring Dr. Mary Neal, a spinal surgeon who survived a near‑death experience and wrote about the reality of heaven, hell, and God’s love.

## Prayer for the Caribbean Storm and Our Guardian Angels

A powerful hurricane is brewing in the Caribbean, threatening Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Kitts, and possibly South Florida. I ask our guardian angels to intercede for those in the path of the storm, that it might weaken over the ocean and spare lives and property. I also pray for strength and protection for anyone already suffering.

## Prayer to Our Guardian Angel

Most gracious angel, my guardian and tutor, master, guide, and defender, wisest consoler, faithful friend—

From the day of my birth to the last hour of my life, you have been close to me. I thank you for your love and for the confidence you give me, knowing you are always my assistant and defender.

Holy angel, instruct me, correct me, protect me, keep me safe, and guide me along the path that leads to the holy city of God. Present my desires to the Lord, offer Him my praise, and show Him my weaknesses so that my soul may be purified through His infinite goodness and the motherly intercession of Mary, our Queen.

Watch over me when I sleep, strengthen me when I am weary, raise me when I fall, and defend me in trouble—especially on the last day of my life. Be my shield against the devil and lead me to the light‑filled dwelling of the Lord, where I may give thanks and glorify Christ, our Lord, and the Blessed Virgin Mary, together with you forever. Amen.

*Our guardian angels accompany us in every moment, especially when we face the storms of life.*