Dear Fellow Parishioners,

The latter days of May and the beginning days of June are times of change for many people and families – the season of graduations. For some, it’s a transition from one grade to the next, or from one school to another.

The biggest leap into the future is often the jump from high school to college, especially if that means moving out of the family home to a distant college. This time is no less significant for parents, grandparents and younger siblings. It can be an experience of excitement for the future, but also one of loss and worry for those left behind. (Here I think especially of mothers and grandmothers…) For many, this summer will be the last time parents, and their graduating sons and daughters will live under the same roof on a permanent basis.

While the Feast of the Guardian Angels will not be celebrated until October 2, this may be a good time to revisit these protectors and guides. Some of us haven’t thought about them since childhood, and others not even then. I didn’t give them much thought until years ago, an older priest visiting from Ireland told me about the Guardian Angels and expressed his surprise that I was not very aware of the power and presence of my own Guardian Angel. When he returned to Ireland, he wrote me a letter reinforcing the points he made.

First, they are created beings who have freedom – the freedom to serve or reject God. Scripture is full of them, though their comings and goings are sometimes mysterious. Here, church art and imagery dominate our imaginations. Who hasn’t seen the image of an angel, kind but formidable, looking down on a boy or girl? Unfortunately, some of the imagery infantilizes what is in fact a very adult reality for the whole of our lives.

Second, Christ is the center and head of the angelic world. They are his agents and instruments. They are not independent agents. The word “angel” means “messenger” – which is their function rather than their nature. That’s why they were created.

Finally, they are given to us as helpers and guides, so that in this life we are already in contact with heavenly realities, as the angels join us in prayer at every Mass, and in our private prayers.

The Church teaches that everyone has been given one. Their presence does not depend on our faith, worthiness, or whether we are in a state of grace.

This time of the year, when so many new experiences are just around the corner, would be a good time to re-establish in prayer our contact with these personal angels, and entrust ourselves and our loved ones to their care and protection.

Blessings,

Fr Bill Donahue