Guardian Angels

[lakotak]

Hi All,

Just a question I had that some might have thoughts on or know if there is any scriptures that give insight.

I was wondering when a person dies, does his guardian angel become the guardian angel of someone else? Probably a crazy question, but since Mom died in December, I just kinda wondered.

 

[thistle]

Hi All,

Just a question I had that some might have thoughts on or know if there is any scriptures that give insight.

I was wondering when a person dies, does his guardian angel become the guardian angel of someone else? Probably a crazy question, but since Mom died in December, I just kinda wondered.

The Church teaching on angels:

THE ANGELS

The existence of angels - a truth of faith

CCC 328 The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls “angels” is a truth of faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition.

Who are they?

CCC 329 St. Augustine says: “‘Angel’ is the name of their office, not of their nature. If you seek the name of their nature, it is ‘spirit’; if you seek the name of their office, it is ‘angel’: from what they are, ‘spirit’, from what they do, ‘angel.’” With their whole beings the angels are servants and messengers of God. Because they “always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven” they are the “mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word”.

CCC 330 As purely spiritual creatures angels have intelligence and will: they are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendor of their glory bears witness.

Christ "with all his angels"

CCC 331 Christ is the center of the angelic world. They are his angels: "When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him. . " They belong to him because they were created through and for him: “for in him all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities - all things were created through him and for him.” They belong to him still more because he has made them messengers of his saving plan: “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?”

CCC 332 Angels have been present since creation and throughout the history of salvation, announcing this salvation from afar or near and serving the accomplishment of the divine plan: they closed the earthly paradise; protected Lot; saved Hagar and her child; stayed Abraham’s hand; communicated the law by their ministry; led the People of God; announced births and callings; and assisted the prophets, just to cite a few examples. Finally, the angel Gabriel announced the birth of the Precursor and that of Jesus himself.

CCC 333 From the Incarnation to the Ascension, the life of the Word incarnate is surrounded by the adoration and service of angels. When God “brings the firstborn into the world, he says: ‘Let all God’s angels worship him.’” Their song of praise at the birth of Christ has not ceased resounding in the Church’s praise: “Glory to God in the highest!” They protect Jesus in his infancy, serve him in the desert, strengthen him in his agony in the garden, when he could have been saved by them from the hands of his enemies as Israel had been. Again, it is the angels who “evangelize” by proclaiming the Good News of Christ’s Incarnation and Resurrection. They will be present at Christ’s return, which they will announce, to serve at his judgment.

The angels in the life of the Church

CCC 334 In the meantime, the whole life of the Church benefits from the mysterious and powerful help of angels.

CCC 335 In her liturgy, the Church joins with the angels to adore the thrice-holy God. She invokes their assistance (in the funeral liturgy’s In Paradisum deducant te angeli. . .“May the angels lead you into Paradise. . .”]). Moreover, in the “Cherubic Hymn” of the Byzantine Liturgy, she celebrates the memory of certain angels more particularly (St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael, and the guardian angels).

CCC 336 From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession. “Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.” Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God.

 

[lakotak]

HI,

Thank you for your reply. It is nice to learn a little more about the angelic realm than I knew before.

 

[Patrick1982]

Maybe… who could say? The important thing to remember is that your guardian angel watches over you throughout the whole of your life… anything outside of that is at best pious speculation or at worst superstition…just don’t start naming your guardian angel like I’ve seen some people do… God gave your angel a name before you or I even existed.

 

[Patrick1982]

CANON
To the Guardian Angel
Troparion: O Angel of God, my holy Guardian, keep my life in the fear of Christ God, strengthen my mind in the true way and wound my soul with heavenly love, so that guided by Thee, I may obtain the great mercy of Christ God.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: O holy Lady, Mother of our God, thou didst amazingly bear the Creator of all: with my Guardian Angel always pray His kindness to save my soul inhibited and bound by passions, and grant me remission of sins.

Canon, tone 8.

Song 1.
Eirmos: Let us sing to the Lord Who led His people through the Red Sea, for He alone has triumphed gloriously.

Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Troparia:

Grant me, Thy servant, O Saviour, worthily to sing a song and to praise the fleshless Angel, my Guide and Guardian.

Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.

I lay alone in folly and idleness, O my Guide and Guardian; forsake not me who am perishing.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

Guide my mind by thy prayer to fulfil the commandments of God, and to receive from God remission of sins, and teach me to hate all wickedness, I pray thee.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: With my Guardian Angel, O Virgin, pray for me thy servant to the Bountiful One, and teach me to fulfill the commandments of thy Son and my Creator.

Song 3.
Eirmos: Thou art the strengthening of all who come to Thee, O Lord, Thou art the Light of those in darkness, and my spirit sings of Thee.

Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.

Troparia:

All my thoughts and my soul I have committed to thee, O my Guardian; deliver me from all attacks of the enemy.

Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.

The enemy troubles and tramples on me, and teaches me to follow my own desires; but, O my Guide, forsake not the dying.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

Grant me to sing with thanksgiving and fervour to my Creator and God, and to thee my good Angel Guardian: O my deliverer, rescue me from foes that trouble me.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: Heal, O immaculate one, the most painful wounds of my soul, and drive away the enemies ever fighting against me.

Lord, have mercy (thrice).

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Sedalion: From the love of my soul I cry to thee, O Guardian of my soul, my most holy Angel! Protect and guard me always from the hunting of the evil one, and guide me to the heavenly life; teach me and enlighten me and strengthen me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God, who gavest birth without seed to the Lord of all, pray Him with my Guardian Angel to deliver me from all doubt, and to give to my soul feeling and light, and to cleanse me from sin, for thou alone art a quick defender.

Song 4.
Eirmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy plan. I contemplate Thy works, and glorify Thy divine nature.

Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.

Troparia:

Pray to God the Lover of men, and leave me not, O my Guardian, but ever keep my life in peace, and grant me the invincible salvation.

Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.

As the defender and guardian of my life I received thee from God, O Angel. I pray thee, O holy one, free me from all harm.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

Cleanse my foulness by thy holiness, O my Guardian, and may I be drawn from the left side by thy prayers, and become a partaker of glory.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: Perplexity confronts me through the evil surrounding me, O immaculate one, but deliver me from it speedily, for I run only to thee.

Song 5.
Eirmos: Rising early we cry to Thee, O Lord; save us, for Thou art our God, and other than Thee we know none.

Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.

Troparia:

As thou hast boldness towards God, my holy Guardian, pray Him to deliver me from the evils which offend me.

Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.

O radiant light, make radiant my soul, my Guide and Guardian Angel, given me by God.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

Keep me awake who sleep from the burden of my sins, O Angel of God, and by thy prayers raise me up to glorify Him.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: O Lady Mary, Virgin Mother of God, O hope of the faithful, subdue the attacks of the enemy, and to those who sing to thee give joy.

 

[Patrick1982]

Song 6.
Eirmos: Grant me a garment of Light, O Thou Who wrappest Thyself in Light for a garment, most merciful Christ our God.

Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.

Troparia:

Deliver me from every misfortune and accident and save me from sorrow, I pray, O holy Angel, given to me as my good Guardian by God.

Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.

Enlighten my mind, O good one, and illumine me, I pray thee, O holy Angel, and teach me to think always positively and profitably.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

Calm my heart from present disturbance, and strengthen me to be awake to the good, O my Guardian, and guide me miraculously in quietness of life.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: The Word of God dwelt in thee, O Mother of God, and showed thee to men as the heavenly ladder. For by thee the Most High descended to us.

Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Kontakion: Have compassion on me, O holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, and leave me not, impure as I am, but irradiate me with the Divine Light, and make me worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom.

Oekos: Grant my soul, humiliated by many temptations, the ineffable Heavenly Glory, O holy intercessor and singer with the Choirs of fleshless Powers of God. Have mercy and keep me, and illumine my soul with good thoughts, that I may be enriched by thy glory, O my Angel; subdue my foes who wish me evil, and make me worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom.

Song 7.
Eirmos: Having arrived in Babylon from Judea, the children of old by their faith in the Trinity trod down the flame of the furnace singing: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.

Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.

Troparia:

Have mercy and pray for me, O Angel of the Lord, for I have thee as my defender for the whole of my life, the Guide and Guardian, given me by God forever.

Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.

Let not my sinful pilgrim soul, given thee chaste by God, be murdered by robbers, O Holy Angel, but lead it to the way of repentance.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

My whole soul is disgraced by evil thoughts and acts, but make haste, O my Guide, and grant me healing with good thoughts, that I may always follow the right way.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

To Jesus: Fill with wisdom and divine strength all who cry with faith, through the Mother of God, to Thee, O Personal Wisdom of the Highest: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.

Song 8.
Eirmos: The King of Heaven, Whom Hosts of Angels praise, let us praise and exalt throughout all ages.

Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.

Troparia:

Strengthen the life of thy servant and never leave me, O gracious Angel, sent by God.

Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.

I ever hymn thee, O Good Angel, Guide and Guardian of my soul, most blessed spirit.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

Be my Veil and Visor in the Judgment Day of all men, when all deeds, good and evil, will be tried by fire.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: Be the help and peace of thy servant, O Ever-Virgin Mother of God, and leave me not bereft of thy protection.

Song 9.
Eirmos: Saved by thee, O pure Virgin, we confess thee to be supremely the Mother of God, and with Fleshless Choir we magnify thee.

O Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.

Troparia:

Have mercy on me, O my only Saviour, for Thou art merciful and kind-hearted, and make me a member of the Choirs of the Righteous.

Holy Angel, my Guardian, pray for me.

Grant me ever to think and do only what is useful, O Angel of the Lord, that I may be undefiled and strong in infirmity.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

Having boldness towards the Heavenly King, pray Him, with the other Angels, to have mercy on me, wretched as I am.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: O Virgin, who hast great boldness towards Him Who took flesh of thee, deliver me from attachments and grant me forgiveness and salvation by thy prayers.

Prayer to the Holy Guardian Angel
Holy Angel of Christ, I fall down and pray to thee, my holy Guardian, given me from holy Baptism for the protection of my sinful body and soul. By my laziness and bad habits, I have angered thy most pure light, and have driven thee away from me by all my shameful deeds, lies, slanders, envy, condemnation, scorn, disobedience, brotherly-hatred, grudges, love of money, adultery, anger, meanness, greed, excess, talkativeness, negative and evil thoughts, proud ways, dissolute madness, having self-will in all the desires of the flesh. O my evil will, which even the dumb animals do not follow! How canst thou look at me or approach me who am like a stinking dog? With what eyes, O Angel of Christ, wilt thou look at me so badly snared in evil deeds? How can I ask forgiveness for my bitter, evil and wicked deeds, into which I fall every day and night, and every hour? But I fall down and pray, O my holy Guardian: pity me, thy sinful and unworthy servant (Name). Be my helper and protector against my wicked enemy, by thy holy prayers, and make me a partaker of the Kingdom of God with all the Saints, always, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

 

[Scoobyshme]

Your guardian angel is yours forever.

If you go to hell, he’s there with you (he’s not suffering) reminding you that you got yourself there, etc.

If you go to Purgatory, he’s there giving you hope and comfort, reminding you that you’ll eventually end up in heaven.

If you go to Heaven, he’s there with you, glorifying God.

 

[lakotak]

Hi,

Thank you all for your wonderful replys, prayers and insights into our guardian angels. There is always something new to learn from other members knowledge and experience.

 

[Patrick1982]

Your guardian angel is yours forever.

If you go to hell, he’s there with you (he’s not suffering) reminding you that you got yourself there, etc.

If you go to Purgatory, he’s there giving you hope and comfort, reminding you that you’ll eventually end up in heaven.

If you go to Heaven, he’s there with you, glorifying God.

Where do you get that from? Kinda sounds like you just made that up…

 

[thistle]

Your guardian angel is yours forever.

If you go to hell, he’s there with you (he’s not suffering) reminding you that you got yourself there, etc.

If you go to Purgatory, he’s there giving you hope and comfort, reminding you that you’ll eventually end up in heaven.

If you go to Heaven, he’s there with you, glorifying God.

That is not true and is not what the Church teaches.
Your guardian angel is with you from conception until death. Didn’t you read the Catechism quote I gave in an earlier post.

CCC 336 From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession. “Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.” Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God.

 

[Scoobyshme]

I believe what I said came from St. Thomas Aquinas. He wrote the most on angels and is considered the Angelic Doctor, if I recall correctly.

 

[thistle]

I believe what I said came from St. Thomas Aquinas. He wrote the most on angels and is considered the Angelic Doctor, if I recall correctly.

If you are quoting someone then you have to give the source, i.e the document.
Also it is NOT Church teaching.
By the way Aquinas did not get everything right. He did not believe in the Immaculate Conception.

 

[Silvereel]

We can’t hold Aquinas at fault for that, though. It wasn’t official Church teaching at the time, I don’t think?
Actually, I believe Luther taught it before the Church!

 

[CentralFLJames]

The belief that angels can be guides and intercessors for men appears in The Book of Job 33:23-6, and in the Book of Daniel.
In The Book of Daniel (specifically Daniel 10:13) angels seem to be assigned to certain countries as well.

The first Christian Church theologian to outline a specific scheme for guardian angels was Honorius of Autun. He said that every soul was assigned a guardian angel the moment it was put into a body. Thomas Aquinas agreed with this and specified that it was the lowest order of angels (from 9 distinct choirs of angels: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominations, Powers, Virtues, Principalities, Archangels, Angels [lowest] ) who served as guardians, but Duns Scotus said that any angel might accept the mission.

In Acts of the Apostles 12:12-15 there is another allusion to the belief that a specific angel is assigned to protect each individual. After Peter had been escorted out of prison by an angel, he went to the home of ‘Mary the mother of John, also called Mark’. The servant girl, Rhoda, recognized his voice and ran back to tell the group that Peter was there. However the group replied, “It must be his angel”’ (12:15).

Here is a link to St. Thomas Aquinas’ The Summa Theologica. There is an entire section on TREATISE ON THE ANGELS.

1. Of the Substance of the Angels Absolutely Considered
2. Of the Angels in Comparison with Bodies
3. Of the Angels in Relation to Place
4. Of the Local Movement of the Angels
5. Of the Knowledge of the Angels
6. Of the Medium of the Angelic Knowledge
7. Of the Angels’ Knowledge of Immaterial Things
8. Of the Angels’ Knowledge of Material Things
9. Of the Mode of the Angelic Knowledge
10. The Will of the Angels
11. Of the Love or Dilection of the Angels
12. Of the Production of the Angels in the Order of Natural Being
13. Of the Perfection of the Angels in the Order of Grace and of Glory
14. The Malice of the Angels with Regard to Sin
15. The Punishment of the Demons

ccel.org/a/aquinas/summa/FP.html#TOC03

James

 

[thistle]

We can’t hold Aquinas at fault for that, though. It wasn’t official Church teaching at the time, I don’t think?
Actually, I believe Luther taught it before the Church!

I know and I’m sure he would have accepted the dogma had he been around then. I’m not belittling Aquinas. In fact I think he was one of the greats!
The point I’m making is that the Church fathers opinions are not always correct so its official Church teaching we should look to which is why I quoted from the CCC.

 

[JCnMe]

(((((lakotak)))))…first of all I am sorry about the loss of your dear (((mom)))…death is just a transition -your ((mom)) is still very much alive in spirit and she was never alone- not for one minute on her journey home-her guardian angel was /will be with her until she is met by Jesus and welcomed home…angels tend to stay within family lines so when a new child is born the angel that is assigned has usually been within the generations of family before-…the Holy Spirit writes on the heart…ask God for confirmation…(((Hugs)))) God Bless

 

[grampswayne]

Here are the last three of fourteen basic core findings from Dr. Newton’s research with over 2000 subjects in which he has been able to recover their superconscious memories of their soul being. He calls them “The Way of Souls” from his two-volumes of case studies, “Journey of Souls: Case Studies of Life Between Lives” and “Destiny of Souls: New Case Studies of Life Between Lives”:
“No earthly religious deities are seen in the spirit world by returning souls. A soul’s closest connection with the divine is with their personal spirit guide and members of a council of benevolent counselors who monitor the affairs of each soul. Souls from earth feel and sense the presence of a god-like Oversoul or Source emanating from above the wise beings who make up individual councils.
The spirit world is composed of highly advanced non-reincarnation soul specialists who regulate the work of the souls in their care. When incarnating souls develop to higher levels of wisdom and performance themselves, they will cease to incarnate and take their place among these specialists, who will assist the still-incarnating souls. Soul specialists apparently are selected by motivation, talent, and performance.
The ultimate goal of all souls appears to be the desire to seek and find perfection, and finally conjoin with the Source who created them.”

So, we are confirming that indeed each of us is assigned a spirit guide or teacher and, in fact, they are there in the light to greet us after death, sometimes along with other loved ones who have passed before us. All his subjects, however, tell us this SG was assigned to them long ago and to others of their small cluster group of souls that incarnate with them…they play roles in their lives and we play roles in theirs. This SG may also have junior guides in apprentice training, those souls like us who are still reincarnating on earth. Our SG may also have a Master Guide who monitors him and also is brought into our cluster groups for various training sessions in preparation for our next incarnation. They are all part of an hierachy of souls who constantly monitor our progess here on earth:

We, in fact, enter into a contract to “stay” with the body when the choice is made, no matter what happens and, most importantly, not to leave early (commit suicide). We are fully prepared before we leave as discarnate spirits, but we have our own imperfections and weaknesses we need to work on and improve in order to progress to the next level of soul development. The body choices given us offer varying degrees of difficulty specific to those areas we need to correct or improve. We don’t always choose the “easiest” one. In fact, one subject had selected bodies with physical impairments or a serious genetic disease for her last 4 incarnations in order to overcome a previous proclivity towards selecting attractive and powerful bodies she had used to her own selfish advantages. She had fallen behind her soul group as a result and by selecting the most difficult bodies offered her she was able to “make up” for the lack of progress in her earlier “easy” life selections. In other words, we are given body choices which will allow us to be either indulgent or allow us to “skate”(a term used by one of his subjects) in a particular life, or we can select a more difficult body assignment which presents us with the challenges we need to progress more rapidly e.g. a physically impaired body or other “challenging” trait or temperament that would require us to “work harder” or undergo more hardships than would say a healthy body and/or wealthy and loving parents. So, the body types and the family situations (varying socio-economic circumstances or caring and nurturing verses neglectful or abusive parents) that are offered us, and the one we ultimately select, has everything to do with the lessons we need to learn and/or the karmic tasks we need to endure for us to progress as a soul. What our purpose and mission is in making this decision and coming to Earth, is an essential part of our journey in reaching our ultimate goal of our soul’s progression towards reunion with the Source, as Dr. Newton states above. It is also of major interest and importance to us all in knowing today, what we need to do to fulfill that purpose and mission here.
MOST IMPORTANTLY: Everyone reports that through all of this process in the spirit world we are given unconditional and unlimited love, patience, understanding, encouragement, and NON-JUDGMENTAL assessment and correction as regards our mistakes, poor choices and the satisfying of our karmic debt (more about this later) in our lives here. THERE IS NO PUNISHMENT. No one is ever condemned or “left behind” and although some of us progress towards our goal faster than others, WE ALL WILL EVENTUALLY EVOLVE AND PROGRESS THROUGH ALL OF THE HIGHER LEVELS OF SOUL DEVELOPMENT. AND, THERE IS INFINITE TIME TO DO SO.
We are the ones who are impatient to progress and wish to do well. We are the ones who are disappointed in the speed of our progress and the fulfillment of our purpose and mission; not our teachers or guides, or even the so-called Council of Elders who monitor and evaluate our progress and help us to develop and prepare for each incarnation. With an all embracing love and eternal patience, they want us to progress and do all they can to aid us in our development; they do not judge us, but encourage and assist us in determining what we must do in each life to correct our mistakes and to develop the characteristics necessary to progress to the next level of soul attainment. It is always and ultimately our decision to return to earth or to heed or not to heed their sage advice. Much more later about others in the hierarchy now being revealed to us.

Your Brother in Spirit,
Wayne

 

[joanmo42]

Maybe… who could say? The important thing to remember is that your guardian angel watches over you throughout the whole of your life… anything outside of that is at best pious speculation or at worst superstition…just don’t start naming your guardian angel like I’ve seen some people do… God gave your angel a name before you or I even existed.

 

[joanmo42]

Since only God has named our guardian angel, how do we address them without a name?

I talk to mine all the time (have a name for him which I understand is not something we can do since they are superior to us)…so how do I address him in my daily chat?

 

[Southparkmom]

Since only God has named our guardian angel, how do we address them without a name?

I talk to mine all the time (have a name for him which I understand is not something we can do since they are superior to us)…so how do I address him in my daily chat?

Mr Guardian Angel Sir.

Seriously, that is a good question, although in my connection with my guardian angel, it never even occurred to me that it even has a human like name, it would be a glorious name… Just a bond, always.

So Angels are spirits? There ‘job’ is to be an angel? That is what they do…this is so above my level comprehension.

To the OP: I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. My mother is gravely ill and I have been having many of the same thoughts regarding angels. Thank you for posting this question.