Guardian Angels

When I was in grade school the Sisters told us that when we sat down we should leave a little room for our Guardian Angel. Now of course we didn't need to do that. Angels are pure spirits who don't take up any physical space. But I think this was a way of impressing on our young minds that we had such a constant companion.

Many saints had a deep devotion to their Guardian Angels. Blessed Peter Faber, the first Jesuit "recruit" of St. Ignatius Loyola, walked across Europe giving the Spiritual Exercises and as he walked he talked with his Guardian Angel. By the way, it's been reported that Pope Francis hopes to canonize this close friend of St. Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuits. 

St. Pio of Pietrelcina, better known as Padre Pio, talked not only to his own Angel but also to the Guardian Angels of other people. He also sent his Guardian Angel to help others.

But didn't that leave him unprotected? No. In the gospel for the Feast of the Guardian Angels which we celebrate today (Matthew 18: 1-5, 10), Jesus teaches that our "angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father." As pure spirits they are not bound by physical laws. They can be present to both God and to us and anywhere else as well. Just like God who is present everywhere.

If that's so, if God is everywhere, why do we need Angels? Their existence is one more way that God shows his loving care and concern for us. With our own Guardian Angel, we have one more good friend who is both in heaven and here on earth, present at every moment.

The older I get, the more aware I am of my Guardian Angel.  Every so often I am reminded of something I need to do at the very last moment and I can't help thinking it was my Angel who was there reminding me. 

So while you don't have to make room for your Angel when you sit down, it is a good idea to make room in your life for this special friend. Pay attention to your Angel. Make room for your Guardian in your mind and in your heart. You won't be let down.