Guardian Angels

by Mary Ann Halloran

Last time, I wrote about an angel in human form. This time, I want to write about our friends, our guardian angels. If you haven't made friends with your guardian angel, now might be a good time. They are there for us; we can talk to them and tell them what we need help with. They are ready and willing.

I not only talk to my guardian angel, but I would often talk to my children's angels. When I only had two children, we lived in one room. I was lying by my almost two-year-old, hoping she would get a nap. When she was almost asleep, my four-month-old woke up. I knew if he cried or I got him up, that was the end of the toddler getting to sleep. I told the baby's guardian angel, "Do me a favor and entertain the baby until my daughter goes to sleep." Just then, the baby, who was on his back staring up, started quietly giggling. There was nothing he was looking at, not even a mobile. I smiled and said, "Thank you, angel, you are doing a great job." His angel did the job.

When my children were all little and we were going to Mass, I would often tell their guardian angels to help them sit still and be attentive. I know they helped, and I was grateful.

The most dramatic experience I had with guardian angels happened when I was 18 years old and still living at home in Phoenix. I was driving three younger teens home from a youth conference when my car stalled on railroad tracks. I tried and tried to restart it to no avail. Suddenly, we heard the loud, booming sound of a horn and saw that a train was fast approaching us. Terrified, I yelled out loud, "Guardian angels, push my car off the tracks." Just then, the car rolled safely over the tracks! We all breathed a sigh of relief and sat silent as that train chugged by. Then we all thanked God aloud. Those who weren't converted at the conference were converted then!  (I did get calls from parents that night).

The “Angel of God, my Guardian Dear” (see below) is one of the first prayers my mother taught my siblings and me as children. It is so beautiful because the prayer is addressed to our guardian angel.

I encourage you to teach your children to talk to their guardian angel so they will continue the practice throughout their lives. Our guardian angels are very real, very present, and very willing to help us.

God is so good to give each of us this special lifetime gift.

God bless you,

Mary Ann / Mother Hen

Prayer to Our Guardian Angel

Angel of God, my Guardian dear,
To whom God's love commits me here;
Ever this day, be at my side
To light and guard
To rule and guide. Amen