Angels

We are like children who stand in need of masters to enlighten us and direct us; and God has provided for this, by appointing his angels to be our teachers and guides. - Saint Thomas Aquinas

Catholics believe in the existence of angels and in the participation of angels in God’s plan of salvation. Throughout the Scriptures, angels have played an important role in God’s revelation to humanity. An angel is a pure spirit created by God who constantly praises and glorifies God. Unlike saints, angels were never human and living on earth. The word angel means “messenger” and as messengers of God, angels can be seen as spiritual beings who communicate God’s love and presence to us on earth. They make known God’s plan and can challenge people to grow in holiness. Angels also guard and protect us - these angels are known as “guardian angels.”

Types of Angels

Angels
Archangels
Principalities
Powers
Virtues
Dominations
Thrones
Cherubim
Seraphim

The Choir of Angels is divided into three groupings, each with specific concerns:

The 1st triad: Angels, Archangels, and Principalities: concern themselves with the minute ordering of the universe and specific causes, including the welfare of people. Each human being, each church, and each country has a Guardian Angel. The Feast of the Guardian Angels is October 2.

The 2nd triad: Powers, Virtues and Dominations: known as the "angels of creation" because they concern themselves with the ordering of the universe and a plurality of causes.

The 3rd triad: Thrones, Cherubim, and Seraphim: concern themselves with contemplating the glory of God. It is the 6-winged Seraphim who sing the Sanctus, "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Hosts" (Isaiah 6:3).

There are 7 Archangels (Tobias 12:15). The names of three of them are known:

Michael (Daniel, Epistle of St. Jude, Apocalypse of St. John), whose name means "Who is like God" and whose Feast is September 29
Gabriel (Daniel and Luke), whose name means "Strength of God" and whose Feast is March 24
Raphael (Tobias), whose name means "Medicine of God" and whose Feast is October 24.

Prayers to the Angels

Guardian Angel
Angel of God, my Guardian dear,
to whom His love commits me here,
ever this day (or night) be at my side,
to light and guard, to rule and guide.
Amen.

St. Gabriel the Archangel
O God, who from among all your angels
chose the Archangel Gabriel
to announce the mystery of the Incarnation,
mercifully grant that we
who solemnly remember him on earth
may feel the benefit of his patronage in heaven,
who lives and reigns forever and ever.
Amen.

St. Michael the Archangel
Saint Michael the Archangel,
Defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness
and snares of the devil;
May God rebuke him; we humbly pray;
And do thou O Prince of the heavenly host,
By the power of God, thrust into hell
Satan and all evil spirits
Who wander through the world
For the ruin of souls. Amen.


St. Raphael the Archangel
O God, send the Archangel Raphael to our assistance.
May he who stands forever praising you at your throne
present our humble petitions to be blessed by you.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.