OCE - Guardian Angels

[Nickkname]

The article on the guardian angels in the Online Catholic Encyclopedia - which you can read here - includes the following opening statement, the troubling part of which I’ve underlined:

That every individual soul has a guardian angel has never been defined by the Church, and is, consequently, not an article of faith; but it is the “mind of the Church”, as St. Jerome expressed it: “how great the dignity of the soul, since each one has from his birth an angel commissioned to guard it.” (Comm. in Matt., xviii, lib. II).

This is troubling, for two reasons. One: If guardian angels have never been defined, than why do they have a feast day? Two: The Catechism of the Catholic Church, which is the presentation of the Church’s teachings, has this to say about guardian angels:

336 From infancy to death human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession.202 "Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life."203 Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God.

202 Cf. ⇒ Mt 18:10; ⇒ Lk 16:22; ⇒ Pss 34:7; ⇒ 91:10-13; ⇒ Job 33:23-24; ⇒ Zech 1:12; ⇒ Tob 12:12.

203 St. Basil, Adv. Eunomium III, I: PG 29, 656B.

Dose the OCE differ from what the Church teaches in regards to guardian angels?? Please help!

 

[Jimdandy]

Quote:
That every individual soul has a guardian angel has never been defined by the Church, and is, consequently, not an article of faith; but it is the “mind of the Church”, as St. Jerome expressed it: “how great the dignity of the soul, since each one has from his birth an angel commissioned to guard it.” (Comm. in Matt., xviii, lib. II).

“That every individual soul has a guardian angel”

I would guess this means that it has not been revealed to man whether or not our individual angels also guard others-Since God is everywhere, and able to manifest Himself in a special way simultaneously in thousands of places (consecration of the Holy Eucharist, Present when 2 or more are praying together, ETC)
It is certainly possible that our angel could bi-locate.

And really special people sometimes have more than one!!

(From Jesus
Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in Heaven. (Matthew 18:10)

 

[Nickkname]

That would make sense. Thanks for that

 

[Genesis12345]

From a sermon by St. Bernard, abbot
He has given his angels charge over you to guard you in all your ways. Let them thank the Lord for His mercy; his wonderful works are for the children of men. Let them give thanks and say among the nations, the Lord has done great things for them. O Lord, what is man that you have made yourself know to him, or why do you incline your heart to him? And do you incline your heart to him, you show him you care and your concern. Finally, you send your only Son and the grace of your Spirit, and has him a vision of your countenance. And so, that nothing in heaven should be wanting in your concern for us, you send those blessesd spirits to serve us, assigning them as our guardians and our techers.
He has given his angels charge over you and to guard you in all your ways. These words should fill you with respect, inspire devotion and still confidence; respect for the presence of angels, devotion because of their loving service, and confidence because of their protection. And so the angels are here; they are at your side, they are with you, present on your behalf. They are here to protect you and to serve you. But even if it is God who has given them this charge, we must nonetheless be grateful to them for the great love which they obey and come to help us on our great need.
So let us be devoted and grateful to such a great protector; let us return their love and honor them as much as we can and should. Yet all our love and h onor must go to him, for it is* from him that they receive all that makes them worthy of our love and respect.*

• At your death, your Guardian Angel will assist you on your way to God for judgment]*