Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels

The Catholic belief in guardian angels holds a significant place in the faith, offering solace to parents who believe these celestial beings protect their children from harm. This doctrine, while rooted in Scripture, finds its foundation in the words of Jesus in Matthew 18:10, affirming the existence of angels assigned to individuals who represent them before God and watch over their well-being. The development of devotion to guardian angels gained momentum with the rise of monasticism and was eloquently championed by figures like Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. The feast dedicated to guardian angels was officially introduced in the 16th century and added to the Roman calendar by Pope Paul V in 1615. Sacred Scripture contains numerous examples of angelic manifestations related to fulfilling divine missions. Guardian angels are seen as participants in God's holiness and are believed to accompany the Church as a whole and individual believers, providing protection, guidance, and enlightenment. The Catholic Catechism emphasizes their watchful care and intercession throughout human life. Overall, the belief in guardian angels remains a cherished aspect of Catholic piety, offering believers a sense of divine guidance and protection.

Celebrate the memorial by doing the following:
· Pray the Glorious Mysteries of the rosary.
· Do arts and crafts activates such as;
* Draw angels
* Color pictures of angels
* Make angles out of crafting materials.
· Attend mass.
· Bake angel cookies.
· Bake angel food cake.
· Pray the Guardian Angel Prayer:

Angel of God,
my guardian dear,
to whom God’s love commits me here,
ever this day,
be at my side,
to light and guard,
rule and guide.
Amen.