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DEVOTIONS TO THE HOLY ANGELS
"The Church, which at its outset was saved and
protected by the ministry of Angels, and which constantly experiences their
'mysterious and powerful assistance,' venerates these heavenly spirits and has
recourse to their prompt intercession" (Directory
on Popular Piety and the Liturgy, 215). "Devotion to the Holy Angels gives
rise to a certain form of the Christian life which is characterized by: (1)
devout gratitude to God for having placed these heavenly spirits of great
sanctity and dignity at the service of man; (2) an attitude of devotion deriving
from the knowledge of living constantly in the presence of the Holy Angels of
God - serenity and confidence in facing difficult situations, since the Lord
guides and protects the faithful in the way of justice through the ministry of
His Holy Angels" (Directory, 216). This page provides select prayer texts and
information regarding devotions to the Holy Angels. For further aids, see the
Resources at the bottom of the page.
Prayers from Mass
"When Mass is being celebrated, the sanctuary is filled with countless angels
who adore the Divine Victim immolated on the altar." (St John Chrysostom)
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from the Roman Canon/Eucharistic Prayer I Almighty God, we pray that your angel may take this sacrifice to your altar in heaven. Then, as we receive from this altar the sacred body and blood of your Son let us be filled with every grace and blessing. |
Supplices te rogamus, omnipotens Deus: iube haec perferri per manus sancti Angeli tui in sublime altare tuum, in conspectu divinae maiestatis tuae; ut quotquot ex hac altaris participatione sacrosanctum Filii tui Corpus et Sanguinem sumpserimus omni benedictione coelesti et gratia repleamur. |
24 March
St Gabriel (extraordinary use)
The feast of St Gabriel, in the extraordinary use, falls on the day before the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in which he played such an important role.
| O God, who from the angelic ranks didst choose the archangel Gabriel to herald the mystery of thy incarnation, grant us this favour, that we who keep his feast on earth may feel the power of his advocacy in heaven: thou who art God. | Deus, qui inter ceteros Angelos, ad annuntiandum incarnationis tuae mysterium, Gabrielem Archangelum elegisti: concede propitius; ut, qui festum ejus celebramus in terris, ipsius patrocinium sentiamus in caelis: Qui vivis. |
8 May
The Apparition of St Michael the Archangel (extraordinary use)
The feast of the "Apparition of St Michael" on May 8th in fact commemorates a naval victory attributed to the archangel's intercession rather than the date of this apparition. The first reading of the day is Revelation 1:1-5. The Gospel reading is Matthew 18:1-10, wherein Christ teaches about the judgment of men in light of the angels assigned to little children. This choice of reading highlights the role that Michael plays in the judgment of souls.
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Holy Archangel Michael, be our shield in battle; so we shall not be lost in the dread day of judgement. Alleluia. |
Sancte Michael Archangele, defende nos in proelio: ut non pereamus in tremendo judicio. Alleluia. |
29 September
Archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael (ordinary use)
The Dedication to St Michael the Archangel (extraordinary use)
Following the Second Vatican Council, this single celebration took the place of the individual feasts of the three archangels. Known as Michaelmas in the Middle Ages, this feast takes place on the anniversary of the dedication of the basilica of Saint Michael and all the Angels on the Salarian Way near Rome. In the Middle Ages, many families celebrated Michaelmas with a roast goose. The cult in honor of St Michael appears to have originated in the East, where many hot springs are dedicated to the archangel, and he is venerated as a heavenly healer. St Michael's cult became popular in the West following the archangel's apparition at Monte Gargano in Apulia, Italy, in the late-fifth century. Monte Gargano boasts the oldest shrine to St Michael in the West.
| God, who ordainest the services of angels and men in a wonderful order, be pleased to grant that our life on earth may be guarded by those who stand always ready to serve thee in heaven. Through our Lord. | Deus, qui miro ordine Angelorum ministeria hominumque dispenas, concede propitius, ut, a quibus tibi ministrantibus in caelo semper assistitur, ab his in terra vita nostra muniatur. Per Dominum nostrum. |
2 October
The Guardian Angels (ordinary and extraordinary use)
"... we must have a lively and profound devotion to our own Guardian Angel, and ... we should often and trustfully repeat the dear prayer we were taught in the days of our childhood. May we never fail in this devotion to the angels! During our earthly pilgrimage we may often run the risk of having to face the natural elements in turmoil, or the wrath of men who may seek to do us harm. But our Guardian Angel is always present. Let us never forget him and always remember to pray to him" (Pope John XXIII, 2 October 1959). The readings for the day include Exodus 23:20-23 and Matthew 18:1-5, 10.
| O God, Who in Thine ineffable providence hast deigned to send Thy holy Angels to watch over us, grant to Thy suppliants always to find safety in their protection and in eternity to share their happiness. Through our Lord. | Deus, qui ineffabili providentia sanctos Angelos tuos ad nostram custodiam mittere dignaris: largire supplicibus tuis; et eorum semper protectione defendi, et aeterna societate gaudere. Per Dominum nostrum. |
24 October
St Raphael (extraordinary use)
This is a great day to read the Book of Tobit, which relates at length the ministry of St Raphael to Tobit and his son Tobias, as well as Tobias' wife-to-be, Sarah. St Raphael is associated with the angel who healed the sick at the pool of Bethsaida because of the knowledge he demonstrates of healing and medicine and the actual cures worked through his activity in the Book of Tobit. Thus John 5:1-4 is the Gospel reading for the day, whereas the first reading is Tobit 12:7-15.
| O God, Who didst send the blessed archangel Raphael to accompany thy servant Tobias on his journey, grant that we thy servants may ever be guarded by his care and strengthened by his aid. Through our Lord. | Deus, qui beatum Raphaelem Archangelum Tobiae famulo tuo comitem dedisti in via: concede nobis famulis tuis; ut ejusdem semper potegamur custodia, et muniamur auxilio. Per Dominum nostrum. |
Select Prayers
"'He has given charge to his angels concerning thee, to watch over thee wherever thou goest' (Ps 90). What reverence, love and confidence these words should inspire in you! Reverence for the presence of your angel, love for his goodness, confidence in his protection.... Whatever may be your dwelling place, whatever the corner to which you withdraw, have the greatest reverence for your angel. Would you dare to do in his presence what you would not do in my presence? Do you doubt his presence, because you do not see him? .... Let us cause the angels to exult with joy, by showing them that we are not only converted, but that we advance in virtue, practicing the virtues which are most dear to them: modest, chastity, poverty, the spirit of prayer, and above all charity in union and peace." (Bernard of Clairvaux)
The Guardian Angel
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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. |
Angele Dei, qui custos es mei, |
Aspiration. O my dear guardian angel, preserve me from the misfortune of ever offending God.
Child's Bedtime Prayer from the 17th century. Four corners to my bed, Four angels round my head; One to watch, and one to pray, And two to bear my soul away. Amen.
Prayer to the Guardian Angel for a Happy Death. O my good Angel, given to me by God to be my guide and protector, come to my aid at my last hour; protect my soul from the attacks of Satan, and offer it to the Sovereign Judge in a pure and unsullied state; obtain from Him a favorable sentence, that with you I may praise, love and contemplate God forever and ever. Amen.
O Holy Angel, attendant of my wretched soul and of mine afflicted life, forsake me not, a sinner, neither depart from me for mine inconstancy. Give no place to the evil demon to subdue me with the oppression of this mortal body; but take me by my wretched and outstretched hand, and lead me in the way of salvation. Yea, O holy Angel of God, the guardian and protector of my hapless soul and body, forgive me all things whatsoever wherewith I have troubled thee, all the days of my life, and if I have sinned in anything this day. Shelter me in this present night, and keep me from every affront of the enemy, lest I anger God by any sin; and intercede with the Lord in my behalf, that He might strengthen me in the fear of Him, and make me a worthy servant of His goodness. Amen.
St Michael the Archangel
Patron of police officers, holy death, paramedics, paratroopers, sailors, soldiers, etc.
Saint Michael, the Archangel! Glorious Prince, chief and champion of the heavenly hosts; guardian of the souls of men; conqueror of the rebel angels! How beautiful art thou, in thy heaven-made armor. We love thee, dear Prince of Heaven! We, thy happy clients, yearn to enjoy thy special protection. Obtain for us from God a share of thy sturdy courage; pray that we may have a strong and tender love for our Redeemer and, in every danger or temptation, be invincible against the enemy of our souls. O standard-bearer of our salvation! Be with us in our last moments and when our souls quit this earthly exile, carry them safely to the judgment seat of Christ, and may Our Lord and Master bid thee bear us speedily to the kingdom of eternal bliss. Teach us ever to repeat thy sublime cry: "Who is like unto God?" Amen.
Prayer for Help against Spiritual Enemies. Glorious Saint Michael, Prince of the heavenly hosts, who stands always ready to give assistance to the people of God; who fought with the dragon, the old serpent, and cast him out of heaven, and now valiantly defends the Church of God that the gates of hell may never prevail against her, I earnestly entreat you to assist me also, in the painful and dangerous conflict which I sustain against the same formidable foe. Be with me, O mighty Prince! that I may courageously fight and vanquish that proud spirit, whom you, by the Divine Power, gloriously overthrew, and whom our powerful King, Jesus Christ, has, in our nature, completely overcome; so having triumphed over the enemy of my salvation, I may with you and the holy angels, praise the clemency of God who, having refused mercy to the rebellious angels after their fall, has granted repentance and forgiveness to fallen man. Amen.
Litany of Saint Michael the Archangel
This popular prayer is the abbreviated version of a longer exorcism composed by Pope Leo XIII. 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. Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in the battle, that we perish not in the fearful judgment.
O great St Michael, take us 'neath thy shield, thy mighty power in our favor wield!
Saint Michael, first champion of the Kingship of Christ, pray for us.
St Gabriel the Archangel
Patron of broadcasters, postal workers and services, radio, telephones, television, etc.
O God, who amongst all the Angels didst choose the Archangel Gabriel to announce the mystery of Thine Incarnation; mercifully grant, that we who solemnly keep his feast on earth may feel the benefit of his patronage in heaven: who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.
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Strength of God (by A. A. Procter) |
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Be still, ye clouds of heaven! Be silent, earth! And hear an angel tell Of Jesus' birth. |
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While she, whom Gabriel hails As full of grace, Listens with humble faith In her sweet face. |
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Hail Mary! lo, it rings Through ages on; Hail Mary! it shall sound, Till time is done |
St Raphael the Archangel
Patron of blind people, doctors, eye diseases and those with them, happy meetings, lovers, mental illnesses and those with them, nurses, pharmacists, sickness, travelers, etc.
Vouchsafe, O Lord God, to send unto our assistance Saint Raphael the Archangel: and may he, who, we believe, evermore standeth before the throne of Thy Majesty, offer unto Thee our humble petitions to be blessed by Thee. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Oh, St Raphael, Medicine of God, Angel of happy meetings, of peace and of joy, we beseech thee, cure our infirmities of soul and body in virtue of the Divine Blood, source of all healing graces.
O God who in Thy ineffable goodness hast rendered blessed Raphael the conductor of thy faithful in their journeys, we humbly implore Thee that we may be conducted by him in the way of salvation, and experience his help in the maladies of our souls. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
The Holy Angel Who Strengthened Jesus in the Garden of Olives
O holy Angel who didst strengthen Jesus Christ our Lord, come and strengthen us also; come and tarry not!
Printed Aids
Angels of God. Selma AL: Edmundite Missions, n.d.
Hardon, John A. Meditations on the Angels. Bardstown KY: Eternal Life, 2006.
The Little Manual of the Holy Angels: Compiled from Approved Sources. Detroit MI: Opus Sanctorum Angelorum, 1996.
St. Michael and the Angels: Compiled from Approved Sources. Rockford IL: TAN, 1983.
The Raccolta: Prayers and Devotions Enriched with Indulgences. Fitzwilliam NH: Loreto Publications, 2004.
Internet Resources
The Catholic Tradition web site provides a wealth of texts for traditional devotions to the holy angels. Beware of radical content on other pages of the site, but the angels pages are excellent.
The Opus Sanctorum Angelorum (Work of the Holy Angels) is a religious congregation with special devotion to the Holy Angels. Their web site provides some excellent resources on the angels.