The Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels, celebrated on October 2nd, offers a beautiful opportunity to honor the celestial beings God has assigned to guide and protect each of us throughout our lives. This special day invites us to acknowledge the constant, loving presence of these heavenly companions who walk alongside us on our spiritual journey.
Guardian Angels aren’t just charming figures from childhood prayers—they’re powerful spiritual allies that the Church and countless saints have recognized and celebrated for centuries. As Catholics, we’re blessed with this annual reminder to express gratitude for their protection and to deepen our relationship with these faithful friends.
“Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.” – St. Basil (via Catechism of the Catholic Church)
The Holy Guardian Angels and the Church
The Catholic Church has long affirmed the reality of Guardian Angels. As the Catechism beautifully states: “From infancy to death human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession.” (CCC 336). This isn’t just a pious tradition—it’s rooted in Scripture and the consistent teaching of The Church (USCCB Bible).
Jesus Himself spoke of angels watching over children in the Gospel of Matthew.
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.” (Matthew 18:10)
We learn about the angel St. Gabriel in the Gopsel of Luke, while Daniel and the Book of Revelation tell us about St. Michael. The book of Tobit mentions St. Raphael.
“I was sent to put you to the test. At the same time, however, God sent me to heal you and your daughter-in-law Sarah. I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand and serve before the Glory of the Lord.” – Tobin 12:14-15
Holy Guardian Angels Feast Day
The Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels takes place on Oct. 2 each year across the entire Church.
Based on a map from Google Trends, the celebration seems especially prominent in Poland, Trinidad & Tobago and the Philippines, along with Brazil, the United States and Kenya.
In Poland, the Franciscans gather to celebrate the day. The country’s strong devotion to Guardian Angels could have something to do with the Eucharistic miracle of Sokolka.
“It is the common belief of the faithful, suppoted by the holy Fathers, Jerome, Hilary and Bernard, and, in fact, it is the belief of the whole Church, that every man has an Angel to whose charge God has entrusted him.” – an unknown Jesuit priest.
Guardian Angel Prayers
You can celebrate the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels by praying some Guardian Angel prayers, which Hallow has compiled.
You can offer these guardian angel prayers, but you can also pray as normal, knowing you’re accompied by angels.
St. Clement of Alexandria remidns us that even while we pray alone, we’re joined to the choir of angels.
Celebrating the Feast of the Holy Angels
It’s easy to observe and celebrate the Feast of the Holy Angels.
Getting to daily Mass if you can is one simple way to celebrate the feast. If you can’t make it to Mass, you can listen to a homily based on the readings for the day.
Here’s a homily from Fr. Donald Haggerty of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, reminding us that we all need guardian angels.
You can also spend time in Scripture, perhaps reading the Book of Tobit, in which “God hears the prayers of Tobit and Sarah and sends the angel Raphael in human form to aid them both.”
Developing a Relationship With Your Guardian Angel
Your Guardian Angel isn’t just assigned to protect you—they’re meant to be an active companion on your spiritual journey. Here are some ways to cultivate this relationship beyond the feast day:
- Acknowledge their presence regularly throughout your day
- Ask for their guidance before making important decisions
- Thank them for specific moments of protection or inspiration
- Invite them to join you during praying the Rosary or other devotions
Common Questions About Holy Guardian Angels
The Bible mentions angels Michael, Raphael and Gabriel by name. The Church discourages the practice of “assigning names to the Holy Angels” outside of these three.
Holy Guardian Angels don’t speak to us in words. DIscernment is the best way to understand how they might be guiding or influencing us. Doing a daily examen and exploring Ignatian discernment can help.
You don’t have to look very far–your Guardian Angel is already with you! It’s less about “finding” your Guardian Angel and more about opening your heart through prayer to your Guardian Angel’s presence.
Yes! The Catholic Church believes teaches that each person has an Guardian Angel.