The Angels

Who are they?

Angels are purely spiritual creatures: they have no bodies, but they have intelligence and will, and they never die. Angels are not the souls of people who have died. The Church teaches that the existence of angels is a truth of faith (cf. CCC 328–330). The Bible also calls them “heavenly messengers”, that is, God’s “messengers”.

What do they do?

First of all, the angels worship and praise God. The prophet Isaiah saw them calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts!” (Is 6:3). At every Mass, we too sing the “Holy, Holy, Holy”, joining our voices with the angels.

The angels were also present in the life of Jesus. On Christmas night, “a multitude of the heavenly host” praised God together: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Lk 2:13-14). When Jesus prayed in the Garden of Olives, an angel came to strengthen him (cf. Lk 22:43). On Easter morning, angels announced that Jesus had risen (cf. Mt 28:5-6).

The angels also take care of people. A Psalm sings that God “will give his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways” (Ps 91:11). Jesus taught us to treasure little ones, because “in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven” (Mt 18:10). That is why the Church believes that from birth until death, every person is protected by the angels and helped by their prayers.

Why are they saints?

The holy angels are the angels who chose to be faithful to God. They are always in his presence and gladly do his will. We honor them and ask for their help, but we worship God alone.

A lesson for you

• Every morning, greet your guardian angel and ask him to guide you all through the day.
• When you sing the “Holy, Holy, Holy” at Mass, remember that you are singing together with the angels.
• Like the angels, help others quietly, without needing anyone to praise you.