How many Archangels are there? Do we have Guardian Angels? Do Guardian Angels help us physically, or just spiritually?
There are actually nine choirs of angels in heaven: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Archangels, Principalities, and Angels. No one knows exactly how many angels there are in each choir but there are thousands upon thousands. Scripture gives us the names of only three of the Archangels, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, but there are many more. Each choir of angels has a separate function. St. Michael the Archangel is the Prince of the Seraphim who led the fight against Lucifer and the demons who rebelled against God and were cast out of heaven; he is a powerful protector against evil.
Each and every person on earth receives his own Guardian Angel when he is born. St. Jerome, who translated the Bible into the Latin Vulgate said, “How great the dignity of the soul, since each one has from his birth an angel commissioned to guard it.” (Comm. In Matt., xviii, lib. II). We know for a fact that angels watch over us from the many references in Scripture. (Gen 28-29, Exodus 12-13, Psalm 90:11, Tobit, Daniel 10, Matthew 18:10, Hebrews 1:14.)
Many books in modern times have been written about people’s experiences in which their angels helped them. My favorite book about Guardian Angels acting in the present day is Where Angels Walk by Catholic author Joan Wester Anderson. Our angels help us every moment of every day although most of the time we are not aware of it. In my own life I have experienced the help of my guardian angel many times. One time in particular I was descending concrete steps and lost my balance. I was falling face first toward the concrete. My friend who was standing behind me reached out to grab me but couldn’t get to me fast enough. Suddenly I felt a force pushing me upright until I was standing securely on the step. My friend was shocked because I had defied the laws of physics and asked how I could possibly have stopped my fall. I explained that I had not done it; my Guardian Angel had.
Your Guardian Angel is your constant companion. Your Guardian Angel loves you the way your mother loves you. Your angel is ceaselessly praying for you and guiding you. His mission is to assist you in getting to Heaven. Your angel offers spiritual and physical protection, especially when you listen to and act on his promptings. Have you ever had an idea enter your mind that you shouldn’t do something you were planning on doing? That is your angel trying to guide you. Living in a state of grace and saying daily prayers to your Guardian Angel and to St. Michael the Archangel will assist you in drawing closer to them and becoming more sensitive to their guidance.
Guardian Angel Prayer
Angel of God, My guardian dear
To Whom His love Commits me here
Ever this day Be at my side To light and guard
To rule and guide. Amen
St. Michael the Archangel Prayer
Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -
by the Divine Power of God -
cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits,
who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Sources and Resources:
For more information on the nine choirs, go to catholic.org/saints/angels/angelchoir.php
Where Angels Walk and many more books about Guardian Angels can be purchased through EWTNreligiouscatalogue.com
St Jerome and other information from that paragraph can be found at newadvent.org/cathen/07049c.htm