Angels

The Angels

Angels are very frequent elements in the Bible narrative. They are mentioned where they come into the story, but we are not given a systematic account of their origin, history or organisation. This is because the purpose of Holy Scripture is to tell us what we need to know and what we need to do for our salvation. We are not told anything simply to satisfy our idle curiosity.

In the early centuries after Christ, theologians studied Scripture for a systematic exposition of the Faith, including what we know of the angels. This knowledge is confirmed by Catholic mystics, exorcists and others through all the centuries who have gained direct knowledge of them.

Nature of the Angels

An angel is a pure spirit. A spirit is something that can know, love and choose. By contrast, matter has location, mass, and size, and no consciousness.

Angels do not grow and change as we do, they do not bear children, and they do not have a sex. In English and some other languages (but not others) we cannot easily talk about someone without saying ‘he’ or ‘she’: we speak of angels as ‘he’ but we understand that this is only a label.

When we describe the appearance of the angels, we are referring, not to how they appear to each other and to God, but to how they show themselves to us. This is not a false appearance; it is their true nature as expressed through the Five Senses by which we apprehend the world.

When an angel has appeared to one of us, the angel is generally seen as a young man. The Old Testament prophets sometimes saw visions of angels as with wings, or with a sword. We understand these things as pictorial representations of certain realities, rather than as literal attributes.

The way that an angel apprehends reality is different from our own. We learn things piece by piece, from particular objects and facts, and build up in our mind an impression of the general nature. For example, after we have seen many individual dogs, we build up an idea of the general nature ‘Dog’. But an angel is equipped from the beginning with a comprehension of ‘intrinsic natures’, and later may apply his mind to one particular example. this is why angels are much more directly and vivdly aware of the Nature of things than we are. They are vivdly aware of being, by nature, of a higher order than the human. An angel can always tell a consecrated Host from an unconsecrated one.

Origin of the Angels

All the angels were created at the same instant, before the creation of the Material World. They knew God. We speak of their dwelling place as ‘The Empyrean’. Before their Testing they did not see Him fully, as in the Beatific Vision. The Empyrean was equivalent to the Garden of Eden in which Adam was placed.

Angels are not bound to our time and space. They had a separate duration measure of their own. Those who are now in The Heaven of the Blessed Trinity and who experience the Beatific Vision are in ‘aevum’ – the nearest thing to Eternity that a finite being can experience. Only God Himself is in Eternity. The souls of men who are Saved will also be in aevum forever. We are given no details on how this differs from Time, but we do know that time is part of this visible world and that it will come to an end.

The Test and the Fallen Angels

While still in the Empyrean, all the angels were given a Test or Trial. Some say that it was the foreknowledge that God the Son would take upon Himself the humiliation of a Human Nature, partaking of material nature, which is a lower order of being, and that His Mother Mary would be assigned as their Queen, whom would be required to honour and obey, even though she was of a far lower intrinsic nature. One of the highest angels in intrinsic nature, Lucifer – ‘Bearer of Light’ – refused to submit to God. He is named Satan – ‘I will not serve’. Refusing to submit to God and be raised to a higher state than his own immensely powerful one, he insisted on being honoured in his natural state. There was a war in Heaven. The Archangel Michael led the battle against Satan and his followers. We call him Michael – ‘Who is like to God?’ Satan gathered one third of the angels to his banner, and in the battle, Michael threw them out of Heaven. They fell to the Earth – to the material universe – which they corrupted in some way before Adam was created. The fallen angels created Hell as a place where they could flee away further from the Wrath of God, yet they still can never escape His Wrath, and the torment of their eternal loss.

Some say that, although from the second lowest of the Choirs, Michael merited his place of Prince of all the Angels through his work in expelling the rebellious angels. Others have said that the title ‘Archangel’ in his case merely means that he was of a higher rank than the lowest Choir: he might have belonged to a much higher Order than the First Choir. In either case, Michael has merited his place as Prince of all the Angels.

After this, the faithful Angels were supernaturally raised above their natural state and granted the Beatific Vision, confirmed in Grace for all eternity.

The Nine Choirs of Angels

There are nine classes or Choirs of angels. These choirs are divided into three groups of three Choirs. They are named in Holy Scripture as:

Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones;

Dominations, Principalities, Powers;

Virtues, Archangels and Angels.

Only three Angels are mentioned in Scripture by name:

Michael – "Who is like unto God?",

Gabriel – "Man of God," and

Raphael – "God heals."

Jewish books not included in the Canon of Scripture give various other names as well. These books must always be read with caution, however, as their accuracy is not guaranteed.

The angels typically receive enlightenment from the angels higher up in the hierarchy. They are not envious of the greater powers and gifts of the angels superior to them.

Choirs of Angels

The Angels of the Ninth Choir ~

Seraphim

The ninth and highest is the most blessed choir of Seraphim. There are only seven of them – unless this number is meant only symbolically, as being the Perfect Number. It is hard to explain their excellence. They were made for one thing alone – to love the God of Love. Without ceasing, they honor, praise, and love the most Blessed Trinity – they can do nothing else – this is their happiness. These Angels are always in ecstasy. Their name means ‘The Burning Ones’. Their love is ever more inflamed to new and greater heights for the God of Love, who chose that their service should be to praise and love Him eternally.

Whose heart will not be moved to deeper love of God when he considers the exalted office of the Seraphim? Who would not envy these most blessed of all the Angels, who were destined from all eternity for this alone – to love the Highest Love, the Fountain of Love? What burning holocausts of love these chosen Angels are, who constantly burn without being consumed, and who are permitted to bury themselves in ever greater depths of love!

How wonderful and sublime, though, must she be, who is the Queen of Angels! When we consider the glory and excellence of the Angels, then we begin to see how insignificant the earth is, and how miserable our human nature. With such thoughts comes also a slight glimmer of light regarding the perfections of our Creator, of the infinite love of God the Father Who delivered up His own Son that He might die on the Cross for us sinners.

It is believed that St Francis of Assisi was enrolled into the Choir of Seraphim when he was taken into Heaven.

Through our devotion to the Angels we shall approach closer to God Himself. Why then do we honor and love the Angels so little?

Practice – Try to become a Seraph in love: let this be your habitual disposition. Love and do what God wills. Ask this great gift fervently.

Aspiration – "Oh! Blessed Seraphim! make us love."

The Angels of the Eighth Choir ~

Cherubim

These Blessed Spirits are so many sacred fires, communicating the Divine light to the other Choirs. They are continually employed in contemplating the beauty and perfections of their great Creator. While the brightness of the Seraphim is the radiance of love, the brightness of the cherubim is that of Knowledge. The Cherubim will share with us their admirable lights, if we ask them, and show ourselves in earnest, by the practice of recollection and prayer, the method of Divine communication.

The Cherubim are the Swords of God. They are full of zeal for the glory of God and stand ready at all times to defend His honor.

It was one of the Cherubim who drove Adam out of Paradise. One of these Angels is often placed at very holy sanctuaries to protect them with his flaming sword.

The Cherubim should be invoked when one is troubled with doubts against faith. Scrupulous persons and such who experience many and severe temptations against holy purity will also derive much benefit from such a devotion, and the help they receive will be remarkable.

Practice – Spend this day in great silence and recollection; be occupied with the consideration of the Divine perfections; endeavor to "know God, and Him Whom He has sent, Jesus ChriSt"

Aspiration – "Ah! Blessed Cherubim! teach us to pray."

The Angels of the Seventh Choir ~

Thrones

The Scripture says of the Lord, that He is seated on Thrones. Hence these Blessed Spirits are called Angels of Peace – being calm, tranquil, immovable. Ask them for that peace of soul which is the fruit of a good conscience. Invoke their aid for such as are prone to hatred, passion and impatience; and after their example, be yourself meek, calm, and peaceful with all.

The seventh choir, the Thrones, is the Choir of Justice and Authority. Every diocese, every kingdom, every religious community has its own angel taken from this Choir. These Angels occupy thrones like kings. In spite of their great majesty their look when directed toward Heaven is of the deepest humility and fervor. Without ceasing, they offer to God the prayers of their community or kingdom. All acts of mortification, prayers, good works of any of their subjects they present before the Blessed Trinity, cleansed and augmented by their own merits. Their sovereignty consists in their constant service, their authority is in their deep humility, and their crown is their burning love.

Our Lord revealed to St Gertrude that around each tabernacle containing His Sacramental Body there are three thousand angels from the choir of Thrones, perpetually adoring and ministering to Him.

God has ordained that the Thrones be mentioned in the Preface of the Mass, otherwise they would never be remembered. There is a tragic note in the service of the Angels. They do all that lies in their power for us poor sinful creatures, and among us there are so many that cold-heartedly and with a lack of proper faith completely forget the Angels or even style their existence a fairy tale. The Angels serve us constantly, they expect no thanks and seldom get any. However, a sincere devotion to the Angels will be of great benefit to us in our striving for holiness. The Thrones are invoked for obtaining the virtue of humility, and they inform us of the Mystery of the Divine Indwelling.

Practice – In the morning, dispose yourself to great sweetness and patience – and every hour make an act thereof.

Aspiration – "O Holy Thrones! obtain that Divine peace, which surpasses all understanding, may keep our hearts and minds in Jesus Christ, Our Lord."

The Angels of the Sixth Choir ~

Dominations

Zeal for the Divine Glory distinguishes the Dominations. They are consumed by their yearning for the interests of God – their principal office is to manifest His Will. We, too, ought to be interested in all that concerns the honor of our ever Adorable God: the conversion of sinners, the perfection of the just, the decoration of altars. We should also beg of God to manifest His Will to us by these Blessed "Intelligences" – and then take care to fulfil it scrupulously, as being the shortest way to perfection and sanctity.

God assigns Angels of this Choir to such as must give spiritual guidance as teachers in higher schools of learning, from the pulpit, or in the confessional. Missionaries stand under the protection of the Dominations. These Angels assist especially those who work for the spread of God's kingdom on earth. Angels of this choir are given to superiors of monasteries and seminaries provided they are humble, and give God credit for all the good they do.

We must pray to these Angels for the spread of God's Kingdom upon earth, for the conversion of heretics and infidels, and for the return of lukewarm and lapsed Catholics to the practice of the faith. In time of despondency or despair, one must call these Angels to help, for they exercise great power against such temptations.

Although this Choir is mentioned in the Preface of the Mass, [the Dominions adore], very few think of invoking them, and still these Angels strive with much zeal to spread God's reign on earth.

Practice – Give practical proof of your zeal for the glory of God; do something for His reign in souls, as instructing the ignorant, etc.

Aspiration – "Holy Dominations! animate us with thy zeal."

The Angels of the Fifth Choir ~

Principalities

The Principalities are charged to watch over Empires, Provinces, Dioceses, etc., and to avert them from the effects of the Divine Wrath. They are also appointed to transmit to the Angels of the last two Choirs the orders of the Most High. Purity of intention is the virtue ascribed to them, for in their high functions they never seek but the honor and interest of God alone. Let us imitate them. It is the intention which stamps the action with merit or demerit.

These Blessed Spirits also have charge over each parish. If one should take the appearance of man, he stands tall and glorious, surrounded by a court of other Angels. Angels of this Choir kneel before the throne of God praying night and day for the members of their parishes. They are ever watchful that dying sinners receive the last Sacraments and that children be Baptized. They know all the members of the parish. In general they devote themselves to constant prayer for their parishioners, begging God in particular to forgive all scandals. They adore the Hidden God in the tabernacles, who is almost entirely forgotten by His children and Who waits in vain for them in His empty church. The Principalities continually chant their mystical Sanctus in reparation for the lukewarmness of their parishioners.

Seldom does anyone invoke this choir. Devotion to them will bring delight and perseverance in prayer. Their hands are always folded in prayer, their countenances friendly and gracious, but at times very sad, when the Sacraments have been received unworthily in their churches. It is then that they bow down to the ground and make most fervent reparation. Every priest should make it a point to greet this Angel of each parish, particularly of his own. The graces he can gain by this practice are many and very precious, and these graces are seldom merited.

The Patron Feast is a day of great joy for the Principalities. Every church has its protector, who on this feast presents before the Throne of God all sacrifices, merits, prayers, acts of mortification, which have accumulated since the last Patron Feast. What a joy for these Angels when the number of good works is great and the incense of prayer constantly ascends to Heaven from their churches. On this day the Heavenly Prince blesses the parish. This Angel will never forsake his children and prays always for them, begging God to give them courage and strength. A mother cannot pray more fervently for her children, and yet, who renders him due thanks?

Practice – In all you do and say, seek the greater glory of God. Refer all to this end.

Aspiration – "O Holy Spirits! may we, like thee, seek God, for God alone."

The Angels of the Fourth Choir ~

Powers

The Angels of this Choir have received from God unlimited sway over the wicked Spirits; they are endowed with great intelligence, to be able to discover their schemes and plans for our destruction. Their power is so great that one alone of them would be able to destroy all the infernal host if God permitted . It is well to invoke them in temptation: but to merit their assistance we must take care to avoid the occasions of sin.

The power of the Angels of this choir is of a more intensive character than that of the Virtues, and the devil must give way before them. They guard the priests more carefully in their priestly work. Priests should invoke these Angels for proper recitation of the office, because the Powers can drive away all distractions during obligatory prayers.

The Choirs of Angels, Archangels, Cherubim, and Seraphim are often remembered, whereas the rest, particularly the Powers and Virtues, are almost wholly forgotten.

Powers are assigned to priests who are confessors of very devout souls. Confessors in monasteries have such a helper, other confessors only when they must guide privileged souls especially beloved by God. Priests who have one of the Powers constantly at their side are much favored in the sight of God, because these Angels lead them to a better self-knowledge and instil in them an ever-growing desire for perfection. If a priest has an Angel of this choir, it is almost certain that later he will be given one of the Dominations in place of the Power. It has occurred that at their ordination certain priests have received in addition to their regular Guardian Angel an

Angel from the Choir of the Powers, because they were destined to do much extraordinary work in the confessional. Priests under the protection of the Powers have great influence over souls, and their work is very fruitful. Should their zeal ever lag, the Powers again enkindle it for them. The blessing given by such priests has a special power.

This Choir is to be invoked in times of spiritual dryness and slothfulness, and against all temptations of anger and impatience.

Practice – Resist the attacks of vice and passion; frequently make acts of diffidence in self and confidence in God; combat your evil inclinations.

Aspiration – "Lord! send Thy Angels to assist us."

The Angels of the Third Choir~

Virtues

Energy and strength are attributed to the Virtues. They have dominion over the elements; all nature is subjected to their control. Hence they can raise or appease the tempest. The Virtues have an especial interest in the material world, and one of them is probably assigned to the care of each type of animal and plant. In the Middle Ages it was believed that they kept each planet and the Moon in their orbits. Modern cosmology has shown that the orbits of the planets are actually much more unstable than has been thought, due to the unpredictable combined effects of the various bodies on each other, and perhaps the earlier belief it truer than has been supposed.

We may profitably invoke them in unforeseen accidents, sickness, etc, and for clement weather. We may also have recourse to them for that strength necessary to lead a penitential life, and root out the inclinations of depraved nature.

They are, as their name indicates, power or virtue personified. God assigns them to such persons as strive unceasingly with all their soul to sanctify themselves, and who, even after they have successfully uprooted their failings, still continue to apply all possible remedies of spiritual and corporal penance to make certain their eternal salvation.

The Virtues who are assigned to the flowers are less military than those assigned to man, and they would appear to us similar to the flower faeries of our imagination. They serve to remind us that not every creature of God is preoccupied primarily with ourselves; there are those whose work is the guarding of the material world that God has created for our days of probation.

Some priests have an Angel of this choir ever at their side. Such priests are usually very self-sacrificing, very strict with themselves, and do not tire in mortifying themselves. Such souls are the favored ones of the Virtues.

Some great sinners receive such an Angel after their conversion. The Angel admonishes them night and day, and the penitents never weaken in following their guidance, for these Angels have the power necessary to help them persevere.

All persons inclined to the contemplative life should call on this choir of Angels for help, for good thoughts alone do not make holy, one needs also strength to persevere and to accomplish this great task.

Practice – Visit the Blessed Sacrament to obtain grace to overcome your evil inclinations, and for all other blessings.

Aspiration – "Holy Virtues! strengthen and fortify us."

The Angels of the Second Choir~

Archangels

The Archangels are distinguished from the Angels by the greater importance of their functions: the Guardians of those invested with authority in the Church and State – and are remarkable for their love and care of men. Let us imitate them, rendering our neighbor all the good we can and invoking in his behalf these Blessed Spirits.

The Archangels

Veneration of the Archangels brings great strength and consolation. The Archangels are divided into different groups and appear dressed in different colored garments.

St Michael

St Michael stands next to God the Father. He is clothed like a warrior, and his beauty is most majestic. The Angels of his company also appear as warriors. These Archangels are sent to strengthen Martyrs in their torments and to support those who must suffer persecution for God's sake. In such hours of trial God in His great goodness bids St Michael to send Angels of his company to assist the Guardian Angels in strengthening such souls in their great need. With this help these happy souls are then able to perform the most heroic acts of self-denial and show the most unflinching courage in their sufferings. How seldom, though, do they remember that they owe all this to their Angels and how little thanks do they give them. The AngeIs are so constant and faithful in their service of men, and men are so fickle and forgetful in their duties toward the Angels.

St Gabriel

St Gabriel is the special messenger of The Holy Spirit. His gifts place him next to St Michael. He has charge of the children of the Holy Spirit, of priests, and of all souls who practice a special devotion to the Holy Spirit or at least wish to honor Him in a particular way. St Gabriel is the patron of contemplative prayer. Priests should allow no day to pass without invoking his help, particularly before preaching the word of God. Those too, who must suffer great spiritual and physical pains, should call on him for strength. St GabrieI is able to obtain for us a deep and sincere devotion to the Mother of God. SouIs who greet him often in lifetime will be greeted by him in their dying moments, and he will bear their souls to his Heavenly Queen. St Gabriel's beauty is of a more lovely, impressive, and touching character, not so overpowering as the majesty of St Michael.

The Guardian Angels of Christ

St Gabriel brought the message to the Three Kings, who were Gentiles, that they should go to Bethlehem. When praying the Angelus, let us also Greet St Gabriel. It was with the greatest pleasure that he heard the beautiful words spoken by Mary the first time, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord." He bowed with deepest reverence when the Word was made Flesh. St Gabriel was the Guardian Angel of the human nature of Christ. He was the first to announce the Birth of Christ to the shepherds, he accompanied the Holy Family on the flight into Egypt, he was the Angel who came to Christ when He sweated blood in the garden of Olives, he stood by the Mother of God at the meeting with her Son, and he assisted Our Lord in His dying agony on the Cross. He was also the Angel of the Resurrection and of the Ascension. Anyone who practices a special devotion to St Gabriel, will be strengthened and comforted by him in the last hour, because St Gabriel stood by Our Savior at His death.

The First Servants of the Virgin Queen ~

The Annunciation. The Immaculate Virgin possessed the most exquisite beauty and a deep humility of which she was wholly unaware. Her eyes were downcast and she did not notice the blinding brightness which emanated from herself. The Archangel who brought the message to Mary, knelt before her, and as The Holy Spirit overshadowed her, he fell on his face.

St Raphael: Angel of Joy

"Joy be to thee always" [Tob. 5: 11], said the Angel Raphael when he greeted the elder Tobias. And as the Scriptures tell us, these words of St Raphael were fulfilled:

"And the rest of his life was in joy" [Tob. 14: 1-4, 14-17]. – what wonderful words!

Joy at all times? Yes, even when we are most sorely tried. For, apart from the usual blessings of life that make us rejoice [and which we too often take for granted], we should also be glad when God sends us a cross to remind us of His own sufferings on Calvary. How often it is that only through some pain or grief do we turn our thoughts to God! When we are self-satisfied and pleased, we tend to forget about Him.

Above all, do not grumble or become despondent if your prayers are not answered immediately, or exactly the way you want! God may have other plans for you, infinitely better than any you dreamed of. Trust Him!

Practice – Two Acts of Charity, with great affection.

Aspiration – "Holy Archangels! pray for us, and for our priests."

The Angels of the First Choir ~

Angels

Though all the blessed Spirits are commonly called Angels, it is to those of the First Choir that the appellation strictly applies. They are charged with the execution of the Divine ordinances, and are appointed the Guardians of men. Humility is the virtue particularly ascribed to them – for though the least among the Choirs, yet they see their celestial companions without desiring their greater, more excellent endowments.

It is the Choir of Angels, lowest of the Angelic hierarchy, who are most concerned with the affairs of this Earth.

An angel is not confined to our Space-Time Continuum (to use Einstein’s phrase.) When an angel wishes to be present in a particular place and time, he directs his attention to this place and moment, and his presence is manifested there.

The Guardian Angels

Guardian Angels exercise continual watchfulness over the souls committed to their care. Their number is exceedingly great, and it is not necessary when an Angel has accompanied his charge into Heaven, that he be again assigned to a soul in any future generation. Our Guardian, who is our companion in life, will also be forever at our side in Heaven. The joy of these Angels is immeasurably increased when souls entrusted to their care enter Heaven. The Guardian Angels of the lost souls are not deprived of their share of joy. God in His justice increases also theirs with the others, and then assigns them to the special guard of the Queen of Angels, where they with great joy praise the Infinite Justice of God.

Guardian Angels differ from one another. Some appear more active and energetic than others. Some are more reserved, and these are assigned to persons who are called to suffer much. They appear dressed in red and wear a small crown. Other Guardian Angels are dressed in white, their expression is always joyful, a beautiful crown adorns the head, they are the Angels assigned to innocent souls, and they are servants of such souls rather than companions.

Children have exceedingly lovely Angels. Their garments are light blue, decorated with pearls, and a wreath of beautiful everlasting roses surrounds the head, their hands always folded in prayer and their eyes continually directed towards Heaven.

The Angels of sinners have a beautiful majestic bearing. Their garments are of a deep red color, a crown adorns the head, their arms folded across the breast, and their faces turned upwards to Heaven with an imploring and painful expression. How deeply must a mortal sin offend God when His Angels are filled with such grief. Holy souls who live in very un-Christian surroundings and persons who have a special mission to perform, receive special Angels from God.

There is nothing more lovely than a Guardian Angel, and nothing more gracious than the goodness of God, Who loves our souls so much that He assigns Angels to watch over them, to guide and even to serve them. My most faithful friend, my dearest brother, my holy Angel, I greet thee a thousand times in the name of Jesus and I thank God that He made thee so beautiful and so powerful.

Guardian Angels are Helped by Angels of the Higher Orders

When a person is firmly on the road to perfection, he receives in addition to his Guardian Angel, other Angels of the higher orders, of the third and fourth choirs, the Virtues and Powers. All those who belong to the Confraternity of Blessed Grignon de Montfort of Mary, Queen of Hearts, have two Angels, the ordinary Angel and an Archangel taken from the company of St Gabriel.

Let us, like the humble Guardian Angels, love the lowest place, especially when placed therein by Divine Providence, and to behold with joy the preference given to others.

Practice – Three Acts of Humility, interior and exterior.

Aspiration – "Who is like unto God?"

Angelic Inspirations and Demonic Temptations

The spirits are much more active in the world that we Moderns generally acknow-ledge. They are not, however, able to read our thoughts directly. They know only what God allows them to know. They are able, with God’s permission, to put thoughts into our heads (just as another human can give us thoughts by speaking to us or showing us a picture.) It is not always easy for us to discern whether a thought has come from a good or bad spirit, or out of our own head (which is the most usual situation). The Church does provide advice and guidance in this matter. A devil is not permitted to remember any of our sins that we have confessed and had absolved.

Frequent meditation on the Mysteries of the Rosary is an almost infallible means by which the devil, who is a coward, will leave us and seek for an easier target to disturb.