6 Things Catholics Should Know About Angels
Written by catholicradio on July 23, 2024
Angels hold a special place in the Catholic faith, serving as messengers of God and protectors of the faithful. While many of us are familiar with the concept of angels, there’s often much more to their role and significance than meets the eye. Understanding these heavenly beings can deepen our faith and bring us closer to the divine. In this post, we’ll explore six essential things every Catholic should know about angels, shedding light on their presence in Scripture, their role in our lives, and the Church’s teachings about these celestial guardians.
1. In the Catholic Church, the Existence of a Guardian Angel Is a Truth of the Faith
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that angel (from the Greek angelos) means messenger. Angels are not made of matter, but are spiritual beings.
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.
Catechism of the Catholic Church (336)
2. Nine Choirs of Angels Are Referenced in Sacred Scripture, by the Fathers of the Church, and St. Thomas Aquinas
Much to some people’s surprise, there are countless references to the presence of angels in Sacred Scripture. This webpage lists Bible verses and passages pertaining to the characteristics and duties of angels, and the nine choirs of angels.
Historically, current understanding of the choirs of angels goes back not just to the 4th and 5th centuries by the early Fathers of the Church, but even further.
One monk from the 5th century wrote under the name of Dionysius the Areopagite, who was St. Paul’s famous convert. He described the choirs of angels and the relationship between the ranks:
The first, or highest group, is completely focused on God :
- Seraphim
- Cherubim
- Thrones
The second level, or sphere, is concerned with making the commands of God known to the angels, and are involved with nature, elements, the cosmos:
- Dominions (sometimes called Dominations)
- Virtues
- Powers
The third, or lowest, group is less about the universe and more concerned with the salvation of humanity:
- Principalities (also sometimes referred to as Princes)
- Archangels
- Angels
To learn more about the choirs of angels, you can read the Summa Theologiae by St. Thomas Aquinas, who is also referred to as the Angelic Doctor. If the 5 volumes seems intimidating, you might find Peter Kreeft’s summary, Summa of the Summa to be a good place to start.
Another book to consider is His Angels at Our Side or an insightful article by Fr. John Horgan.
3. A Powerful Spiritual Warfare Prayer in the Catholic Church Is the Chaplet of St. Michael
As recently as 1851, devotion to the nine choirs of angels was validated at the Vatican. In the 1750’s in Portugal, a Carmelite nun, Antonia d’Astonaco, reported a private revelation she received of St. Michael the Archangel.
Almost 100 years later after discernment, Pope Pius IX approved The Chaplet of St. Michael the Archangel (also known as the Rosary of the Angels).
St. Michael promised that those who would recite it daily with devotion to God would receive angelic intercession and assistance during their lives. The chaplet can also aid in gaining a pure heart and defeating the activities of demons.
The chaplet is comprised of nine invocations to each of the nine choirs. You can learn how to pray the Chaplet of St. Michael here.
4. Pope Leo XIII Experienced a Vision Which Led To Composing the St. Michael Prayer
“Who is like unto God?” The name “Michael”, mentioned in the Bible five times, is a derivative of this expression. Popular in Dante’s Divine Comedy, and the name of chapels, shrines, monasteries, and cathedrals, St. Michael the archangel is known and venerated around the world in both the eastern and western churches.
It was October 13, 1884 (exactly 33 years before the final apparition of Our Lady at Fatima, Portugal) when Pope Leo XIII finished celebrating Mass and saw a disturbing vision. He witnessed “legions of demons” attacking the Catholic church almost to the point of destruction. However, St. Michael intervened to defend the church.
After this experience Pope Leo XIII composed the St. Michael prayer. It was recited after every low Mass through 1964.
Recent years have seen a resurgence in this devotion. The St. Michael Prayer is significant and powerful as a spiritual shield, and a reminder of the assistance of the heavenly army commissioned by God.
5. Catholics Can Learn How to Cultivate a Relationship With Their Guardian Angels by Studying the Saints
Did you know that some canonized Saints have seen and spoken with their guardian angels? Our angels are charged with guarding our souls to help us to heaven.
Even though most of us will not experience that particular type of relationship with our angels, there is much to learn. These are Saints from more recent times that we can learn from to kindle our devotion:
It is fitting to pray to our guardian angel, however, it is important to note that some new age and occult practices encourage naming one’s guardian angel. We are never to do that. Authority to name a creature only comes from the Creator, our God of the Universe.
Catholic Radio Teaches About Angels
Not only does Catholic radio include discussion about the angels and the saints, but there is even a program dedicated to answering listeners’ questions and dispelling confusion.
*The Spirit World* on Catholic Radio is a captivating show that delves into the mysteries of the spiritual realm through the lens of Catholic teaching. Hosted by experts in theology and spirituality, the program explores a wide range of topics, from angels and demons to the afterlife and the saints. Listeners are invited to deepen their understanding of the unseen world that influences our daily lives, as well as how to navigate spiritual challenges with faith and discernment. Whether you’re curious about the role of guardian angels or seeking insights into spiritual warfare, *The Spirit World* offers thought-provoking discussions that inspire and educate, all grounded in the rich tradition of the Catholic Church.
Be sure to listen to The Spirit World every weekend on the Catholic Radio Network. You can listen online to one of our five livestreams, find your local station, or download our free app for Apple and Android
