No 1 • 2010 € 2,50 $ 4,99 £ 1,90 ISSN 2081-5077

Witnesses of the passion Angels’ names My personal experience of the Divine Mercy Saint Faustina and angels History of St Michael's prayers DEAR READERS TheAngels Messengers from a Loving God A Quarterly Magazine on Holy Angels It is a pleasure to welcome you Publisher: The Congregation of Saint Michael the Archangel to read this first quarterly edition Marki of “The Angels” Messengers from Chief Editor: Father Piotr Prusakiewicz (CSMA) a Loving God magazine. Distribution coordinators: • In USA and Canada: y name is Fr Piotr (Peter) There are many, many angels, more Rose Balayan Prusakiewicz from The than there are human beings. They P.O. Box 37 803 Congregation of St. Michael stand before the throne of God and Honolulu, Hawaii 96837-0803, USA The Archangel in Warsaw, Poland. praise Him. At the same time, they Phone: +001 808-389-5764 M Email: [email protected] Our main charism is on the Holy are among us, with us”. Email: [email protected] Angels. As a religious order we run In the different English speak- a publishing house, orphanages, ing countries I have visited over the • In the rest of the world: Noreen Bavister and Alison Boyes schools, and youth centres. We work years giving retreats, many people P.O. Box 4332 with underprivileged, handicapped, have shown a desire to know more Harlington Dunstable Beds LU6 9DG, abandoned and poor children includ- about Holy Angels. Due to the inter- United Kingdom ing missionary work in 13 countries. est shown we have decided to pub- Phone Noreen: +44 (0)779 531 8605 By God’s providence from 1993 lish a quarterly magazine in English Phone Alison: +44 (0)780 137 2166 Email Noreen: [email protected] to 1996, I served as a chaplain to the on The Angels covering many topics Email Alison: [email protected] Congregation of the Sisters of Our including, angelic prayers, good & Associate Editor: Herbert Oleschko Lady of Mercy in Warsaw where Saint bad angels, stories of how the saints Graphics & Layout: Jacek Kawa Faustina started her religious life. For have been helped by angels, testimo- English translations: Agata Pawłowska nearly 10 years I have travelled to nies, interviews and more. We hope to Editorial Staff:Ewelina Faszczewska, Agnieszka Kosińska many countries proclaiming and ex- give some understanding and knowl- e-mail: [email protected] plaining The Divine Mercy Devotion. edge from a catholic point of view. Website in Polish: www.ktozjakbog.religia.net Since 2004 I have been the Chief I look forward to any ques- Editorial inquiries to be adressed to: editor of “Who is Like God”, a Polish tions and feedback. I would be in- Redakcja „Któż jak Bóg” magazine on the topic of Holy Angels. terested to hear by letter or email ul. Piłsudskiego 248/252, 05-261 Marki The angels are servants and mes- [email protected] any tes- Poland sengers of God. Christ is the center timonies on how the angels have Alternatively please contact one of our co-coordinators whose details can be found on this page and on of the angelic world. They belong helped you in your life. Alternatively www.divinemercyangels.org to Him because they were created please contact one of our co-coordi- © 2010 CSMA through and for Him: “for all things nator’s whose details can be found All rights reserved were created in heaven and on earth.” on www.divinemercyangels.org ISSN 2081-5077

CONTENTS

3 Extraterrestrial 11 Conversion in the Grotto 22 Angels’ names rational beings of St Michael 24 The Mystery of Divine Sight 4 Witnesses of the passion, 13 Do you know…? death, resurrection and 26 Angels in St Joseph’s Dreams ascension of Jesus Christ 14 Angels – servants of Merciful God 27 Questions about angels 7 Legends about (good 124 years of St Michael and fallen) angels in the 16 28 Saint Faustina and angels saints’ lives Exorcism by His Holiness Pope Leo XIII How Catholics view 8 My personal experience 30 of the Divine Mercy 19 Towards spiritual the celestial hierarchy

2 | The Angels | No 1 | 2010 IN THE LIGHT OF THE TRUTH DIVINELY-REVEALED Extraterrestrial rational beings Do extraterrestrial civilisations exist? What does the Church say about it? It is widely known that many countries spend a lot of money on scientific research and attempts to establish contact with aliens. There are as many interpretations of the research as research themselves.

owever, taking hugeness of However, they sometimes appear cosmos into consideration, in a visible form (e.g. in the pres- it seems rather obvious that ence of shepards in Bethlehem); like Hwe are not alone in the universe. If Christ, who after the Resurrection, rational beings really exist, we should had a genuine body and could dis- not consider ourselves perfect mas- appear like a ghost. ters of the globe. From the theoreti- In spite of a mysterious subject, cal point of view, it is possible that there is one thing we can be sure of. extraterrestrial rational beings are Following the Revelation, the uni- far more intellectually and cuturally verse is like a multi-storey building, developed than we are. in which people live in one of the The Roman-Catholic Church lowest floor. On the one hand, there has not commented on the subject are many primitive beings below us; yet. Nevertheless, Christians may on the other hand, there are lots of approach the issue in the context rational beings over us who are much of dogma of angels. Unfortunately, more perfect in God’s creations than in the arts angels are illustrated as we are. Since the dawn of time people chubby cupids or creatures, whose cannot resist the temptation of ‘being sex is rather nondesript, that watch like gods’. That is why a construction over kids playing near a chasm. These of the universal building has been two images of angels have nothing destroyed; mankind craves for living in common with biblical data about on the highest floors. God’s servants. The dogma of angels seems un- In the New Testament Christ According to the Bible an angel derestimated nowadays although it mentions the heavenly host when is a wise and powerful ‘man’ who may help in shaping a proper view on talking about the Final Judgement. does not belong to the material people’s place in the universe. If an- It will be a crucial moment as man- world. He usually announces the gels’ existence is accepted, fauna and kind eventually knows the truth important news from God. That is flora will be respected. Awareness about themselves and divine grace all as far as the Bible is concerned. of the fact that people have angelic thanks to which God loved and ap- Although there is not much infor- friends (good angels) and enemies preciated imperfect rational man. mation, the Church teaches that an- (fallen angels) makes them stop treat- gels are spirits without human body. ing nature like their property. Fr. Edward Staniek

The Angels | No 1 | 2010 | 3 ANGELS IN MYSTERIES OF FAITH Witnesses of the passion death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ

Easter mystery is the most important event in Christianity. An an- gel, who sits down on the rock covering Christ’s tomb, is the only witness of His resurrection. Soldiers fall asleep, Christ’s disciples arrive too late; even nature seems drowsy and indifferent to God’s resurrection whereas a few days earlier Mother Nature lamented over His death via earthquakes and complete darkness.

et’s focus on the role of divine when Peter cuts off one of the sol- after Christ’s resurrection: "After the servants in crucial events in sal- diers’ ear Jesus says: "Put your sword Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the vation of mankind. The first -an back in its place, for all who draw the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Lgelic appearance takes place in the sword will die by the sword. Do you Mary went to look at the tomb. There Garden of Gethsemane. According think I cannot call on my Father, and was a violent earthquake, for an angel to the Bible, Christ experiences spir- He will at once put at my disposal of the Lord came down from heaven itual agony in the garden before cru- more than twelve legions of angels? and, going to the tomb, rolled back cifixion. As a doctor Luke appears But how then would the Scriptures be the stone and sat on it. His appear- the most precise in describing bloody fulfilled that say it must happen in this ance was like lightning, and his clothes sweat on Jesus’ forehead which em- way?" (Matthew 26, 52:54) Christ is were white as snow. The guards were phasises His deep spiritual pain and certain of angelic defence as well as so afraid of him that they shook and intense fear: "Father, if You are will- He knows about Peter’s forthcom- became like dead men". (Matthew ing, take this cup from Me; yet not ing act of cowardice. Attempts to in- 28, 1:4) The angel is like God’s seal of my will, but yours be done" (Luke terpret the phrase "legions of angels" truth, his words are the Lord’s notarial 22,42). Then, "an Angel from heaven seems futile. Although there are many deed: "Do not be afraid, for I know appeared to Him and strengthened hypotheses concerning a number of that you are looking for Jesus, who Him. And being in anguish, he prayed angels (according to one of them, a le- was crucified. He is not here; he has more earnestly, and His sweat was like gion equals seventy-two thousand risen just as He said. Come and see drops of blood falling to the ground". divine servants), the one by Pseudo- the place where he lay". (Matthew (Luke 22, 43:44) Lack of the last sen- Dionysius appears the most correct: 28, 1:7) The rest of the evangelists tence in some manuscripts suggests the number of angels is beyond hu- describe the scene in a similar way that it was difficult for their authors man imagination. Angels accompany which suggests the existence of the to accept Christ’s weakness. As well Jesus in His passion, but are obedient same source, probably the oral tradi- as the angel Satan is also present in to God and do not intervene. If they tion. It does not matter how many the Gethsemane ready to make use rescued God’s Son from death, how angels talk to the women near the of God’s fear and loneliness. would "the Scriptures be fulfilled"? tomb. Despite that Saint Augustine The second angelic appearance is The next angelic appearance oc- investigates the issue like a detective in still in the garden of Gethsemane; curs in front of an empty tomb his "Conformity between Evangelists".

4 | The Angels | No 1 | 2010 What matters most is what they say In "The letter of Pontius Pilate to about Christ: "Don’t be alarmed, you Tiberius" Pilate sees a procession of are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, angels who sing "Crucified Christ has who was crucified. He has risen! He resurrected! Arrive the captives of is not here. See the place where they Hades!" Pontius regrets of passing an laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and unjust sentence and decides to take Peter, He is going ahead of you into punishment voluntarily. According Galilee. There you will see Him, just to the manuscript, he is beheaded as he told you" (Mark 16, 6:7); and whereas in "Martyrdom of Pilate’", he Luke makes it more precise: "In their dies on the same cross as Jesus did. fright the women bowed down with Another angelic reference occurs their faces to the ground, but the men in a very popular apocryphal "The said to them, Why do you look for the Gospel of Nicodemus": a soldier, 1 living among the dead? He is not here; who stands sentry next to Christ’s He has risen!" (Luke 24, 5:6) tomb, testifies that he has seen an But what do people do in that angel rolling the rock aside. In mystic morning? Some of them "Mary’s Lament" Mother of God sleep, the others do not believe in the complaints to Archangel Gabriel resurrection and Maria Magdalene about Her sorrow. "Bartholomew’s takes Jesus for a gardener! The world Questions", which is dated on the does not realise the miracle of sal- 2nd-4th century, describes how the vation whereas the heavenly world Angel of Parclose cuts in two the confirms the truth about Christ’s parclose shielding the Sanctum in resurrection by sending an angel to Temple of Jerusalem; he does it in reveal it to the disciples. order to show Jewish priests that For the last time angels appear in their intrigues caused God’s death. the Acts. They rebuke the apostles: Iconography has rejected almost "Men of Galilee, why are you stand- all images of angels depicted in apoc- ing here looking into the sky? This ryphal books. The only exception is same Jesus, who has been taken from a picture of angels dancing around you into heaven, will come back in the cross, holding tools by means of 2 the same way you have seen Him go which Jesus was crucified, picking into heaven" (The Acts 1,11). Those drops of divine Blood to a cup and who want to hear, will hear an angelic wiping His wounds. voice. Those who do not want to hear, Let’s list the icons presented in will say "It is thundering". There are the article: lots of information about angels in Angel passing Christ a cup in the apocryphal books. The latter were Garden of Gethsemane (pic.1); rejected by church authorities in the Angels upholding Jesus (pic.2); past; however, nowadays the texts are Angels around the cross (pic.3); considered a rich source of historical there is no information about the im- and moral background of the ancient age either in the Gospels or in apoc- era. In the Gospel of Peter, which ryphal books because it appeared was written approximately in the year only in the 9th century; 120, two angels help the resurrected Angelic pieta (pic.4): angels accom- Jesus go to heaven. The personal- pany the Virgin Mary when in grief; ized cross comes after them and an- Angel in front of the empty grave nounces: "Yes, I’ve born witness to witnessing Christ’s resurrection those who sleep!" (pic.5). He stands or sits and always 3

The Angels | No 1 | 2010 | 5 ANGELS IN MYSTERIES OF FAITH

wears a white robe. He holds a spear did with one movement of his sword in one hand and indicates abandoned but it still did not convince Jewish funeral wraps by the other hand. If priests about their mistake and re- there are two angels, one of them sponsibility for killing God. stands at the bolster of the grave, the The mystery of salvation is hard other one is at the foot of it. to understand rationally; we have got Angels in Christ’s Ascension (pic.6). a choice: we may either believe in an- And now let’s take a look at the gelic message of Christ’s resurrection Angel of Parclose and a mystery of or we may doubt and try to hush up cutting the tapestry in a minute of the truth like Roman soldiers who death of God-Human. The parclose were bribed by Jewish authorities: embroidered with marvellous imag- When the chief priests had met with 4 es of cherubs separated the Sanctum the elders and devised a plan, they from the Saint Place (Nave). It was gave the soldiers a large sum of mon- hanging close by the Arc of Covenant ey, telling them, "You are to say, His and the Place of Appeasing; and it disciples came during the night and was unveiled once a year in the Day stole him away when we were asleep. of Appeasing (Yom Kippur). The high If this report gets to the governor, we priest was entering the Sanctum as will satisfy him and keep you out of a representative of the people of God. trouble". (Matthew 28,12:14) Christ’s It was allowed to look at the tapestry resurrection became widespread as an but no one could touch it or look be- idle gossip and "this story has been hind it. A symbolic guard of it was the widely circulated among Jews to this Angel of Parclose who cut it with his very day". (Matthew 28,15) For centu- fiery sword. The tear of the fabric has ries it has been said that Christ had not got two meanings: one of them is that died at all but He had just woken up in the angel ripped apart his robe, which the tomb and the disciples and women was a sign of lament and suffering in had not seen angels but they had suf- the Bible; and the other one connected fered from hallucinations. Nowadays with Jewish tradition. Jews believed similar gossips are being repeated, 5 that Divine Presence (Shekhinah) for instance those concerning an os- lived behind the parclose; the tear of suary ( a small stony box with Christ the latter meant that Divine Presence and His family’s remains). Although filled up the world. scientific research has proved it was Gregory of Nazianzus calls it fake, many people are still deceived opening heavenly gates; in "Against by church enemies. The aim of the Martius" Tertullian states that cherubs article is to draw the readers’ atten- left the Sanctum and a new temple tion to the fact that any tangible and becomes Christ’s body. The tapes- archaeological proof of Easter events try is mentioned four times in the has disappeared with time. The wit- Bible: Matthew 27,51; Mark 15,38; nesses of Angels' words are the only Luke 23,45 and in the Epistle to the evidence of the ressurection of Jesus; Hebrews. According to apocryphal they are directed to our faith, not in- books, priests attempted to repair the tellect. If God wanted to persuade us parclose but in vain. What attracts our in a rational way, He would definitely attention is the fact that the fabric was use adequate means to do it and de- so hardwearing that two teams of oxen stroy Satan in one moment. pulling it in two opposite directions 6 could not rip it apart. Yet, the angel Herbert Oleschko

6 | The Angels | No 1 | 2010 ANGELS IN THE LIFES OF THE SAINTS Legends about (good and fallen) angels in saints’ lives St Patrick from Ireland (17th March)

St Patrick lived between 385-493. was liberated from a strange trap. As a young man he was kidnapped This was a harbinger of St Patrick’ s by pagan Irishmen to their island. spiritual fights with demons about After several years of bondage St pagan Irish souls. Patrick managed to escape from There are many Irish legends Ireland. A description of the brea- about St Patrick and his spiritual kout is the only preserved mention battles against fallen angels. One of related by St Patrick himself. The them tells the story of St Patrick’s ar- event must have been quite signifi- rival in Ireland as a bishop. He saw cant for the saint said that he would a six-day-way-long circle of demons never forget the day of his escape. hanging over the island. After he and a few pagan seamen According to another legend, St had reached the English shore, they Patrick’s arrival had been foretold hopelessly roamed around for 28 by Celtic druids several years ear- days. Food supplies ran out; there- lier. Shamen, who were inspired fore the companions faced death by demons, persuaded local rulers from starvation. to drive the saint out of the coun- St Patrick prayed for help and try. One of the dukes set a wild suddenly a herd of pigs appeared. dog on St Patrick yet the saint’s Thanks to the animals people not words ‘Lord, don’t give Your be- only survived but also believed in lievers to beasts’ and the sign of God which made fallen angels so the cross made the dog motion- furious that they attacked St Patrick less. Infuriated ruler tried to kill in the night after the filling dinner. St Patrick with his sword; but the When he was asleep he felt as if second sign of the cross held off somebody had put heavy objects the duke’s hand. After that the ruler on him so that neither he nor his and his lieges were converted into friends could move him in any way. Catholicism and baptized. However, at sunrise St Patrick called Elijah the prophet for help and he Jakub Szymañski

The Angels | No 1 | 2010 | 7 TESTIMONIES My Personal Experience of the Divine Mercy y name is Lisa. I’m 21 this weak foundation in my Faith, it years old, and I come from was extremely easy for me to slip away Manchester in England. I was from the practise of it, especially dur- Aimless drifting Mraised as a Roman Catholic, and I en- ing the harder moments on my life. I recall that as I sat in RE class one tered into my first sacraments with Although I attended a Catholic school, day (which is so ironic to me now), great joy and enthusiasm. However, it was a very harsh environment to I looked over at the girl sitting next to by the time I reached the age of 12, enter into, and bullying was rife. me. I saw that she was reading a spell- most of what I’d been taught about my Unfortunately, as I was a good pupil book, and what’s more, the page that Faith had disappeared from my mind. and not the loudest, I was an easy target. she was reading instantly caught my eye There are a few reasons for this, such I felt utterly powerless as the bullying as it read: "A Spell to Beat the Bullies as a poor quality of religious educa- just became more and more personal, and Make Yourself More Popular". I re- tion from both school and my family, ever more vicious. In this powerless- member thinking "wow, that’s just what but also the fact that I was in a dio- ness, I craved some form of control in I need!" I made a mental note to my- cese that rushes through catechesis to my life, but my faith in Jesus was virtu- self to look for spells. Some of the teen get the first sacraments over with in ally non-existent, so I began to look for magazines in the UK, which are aimed one year certainly didn’t help. Due to consolations elsewhere. at 12-15 year old girls, actually include whole sections devoted to the supernat- ural and a spell each week. This is where I began my journey into the occult. A seemingly innocent teen magazine led me into very dangerous territory. After trying these spells out, I started to buy spellbooks. In hindsight, it is frightening how mainstream the occult has become today. I walked into one of the main UK bookstores, and I found a whole, massive section of the store devoted to New Age and the Occult. I was very attracted to the mystery of Wicca (Witchcraft), as I was seeking some form of control over my life. This seemed at the time to be the answer to some of my natural questions about the meaning of life and the existence „„Lisa Burns is 2nd on the left of divinity. In fact, as I was not mature

8 | The Angels | No 1 | 2010 from then onwards there was an aimless drifting. My faith in Catholicism was so weak and had been so damaged by the false doctrine that Wicca taught me that I did not turn to Christ immedi- ately, as I should have. Instead, I slipped into agnosticism, living the life that so many young people live today - "if it feels right and it’s not harming anyone, then go ahead and do it". A life of pure relativism, drifting along but constantly questioning "why are we here, who is God, does He exist?" Eventually, this spiralled downwards into atheism. Hidden Presence of God The last few months before my conversion seemed to be enveloped in darkness. The last Christmas was the most depressed I have ever experienced! I recall lying awake on my bed at night, my heart crying out to God without me realising it, asking "do You exist? Jesus, are you real? Will I just die and „„Funeral of Pope John Paul II then that’s the end of me?" I no longer believed that love existed, I saw only in my spiritual life, the philosophies Catholics, and that he is actually still an the badness in people, I trusted no-one and terminology that the books used angel of light - Lucifer! To teach anyone, and hated everyone. I was so bitter and impressed my naive mind. These books let alone a 13-year-old, that satan is fic- emotionless. The only emotion I felt was were tailored to attract teenagers who tion, is the most dangerous thing that anger. I wanted to die and wondered were feeling powerless and were seeking can be done, because once you don’t what suicide would be like. I was in answers - which means that these books acknowledge him to be real then he "self-destruct mode’" and I even began would be attractive to a huge percentage can whisper all kinds of lies into your to be physically ill, losing weight as I be- of the youth in the UK (not to mention ear and you will believe them because came more and more hopeless. I felt so the whole of the West). This literature you no longer have a clear distinction far from God, yet I know He was with is dangerous - it taught me a multitude between light and darkness, right and me every step of the way. of falsehoods and prejudices about the wrong. As I "progressed" along this Catholic Faith (such as, the Church is so path, the material I was reading be- misogynistic that it demoted Our Lady came more and more sinister, closer from the status of Goddess to lowly and closer to outright satanism! Orphaned children virgin!) The most dangerous thing that Thanks be to God, none of the In the midst of all this darkness, it "taught" me is that satan does not ex- spells or rituals that I cast ever worked. something absolutely wonderful be- ist. That’s the first thing that Wiccans Because of this, the fun of the novelty gan to happen. Pope John Paul 2nd was "teach" in their books - that satan is eventually wore off and I got bored. dying. As I was already cynical and em- a myth created by the scaremongering I stopped practising witchcraft, but bittered at this point in time, I was very

The Angels | No 1 | 2010 | 9 TESTIMONIES heartless towards him. I didn’t under- changed me – it was the love that he al- a cynical atheist... now kissing a crucifix stand why so many people, especially lowed to work through him….he was with such devotion and love for Christ, young people, were so upset by the an instrument of God’s mercy. sobbing over the death of a pope I had possibility of his death. I knew nothing never given a thought to a week ago, about him, other than he was the leader and sobbing over my own blindness! of a Church I despised, which I believed How is this even explainable??? Only to be sexist and outdated, with no rel- Follow me! in the light of the Divine Mercy. evance to modern society. I thought he I grew more and more intrigued by The next morning I went to had wasted his life. Yet, here were all John Paul, up until the day of his funer- Confession for the first time in years. these young people living their faith, al. Something was changing within me, I cried and cried as I confessed how praying for him and expressing such I could feel hope re-entering into my stupid I had been to reject the Truth love for him! I just did not understand heart, yet I still didn’t believe in Jesus. – Christ Himself. The priest told me them. I laughed at them and treated the I watched the Pope’s funeral in awe, that I had received a special grace from whole situation flippantly. trying desperately to hold back tears Heaven. I went into that confessional I can vividly recall the moment that which were welling up within me. The box, feeling full of sorrow. I emerged I first heard that John Paul had died. It moment came for Cardinal Ratzinger’s from it feeling as though a great bur- was announced on television. He had homily. I listened to his every word, den had been lifted off my shoulders died on the vigil of the Feast of the as though transfixed. Something was - a burden I hadn’t even realised was Divine Mercy, after praying the chaplet happening to me. He began his homily there! I stood in the church, in a daze. and after the vigil Mass. When I heard with the words "Follow Me!" and kept I looked at the tabernacle and felt as the news I stopped in my tracks. repeating them throughout the hom- though a voice said "you’ve come I felt numb. I don’t understand why, ily… it was as though the words were home, Lisa". even to this day, but I was shocked. addressed personally to me! Then came The next day, I attended Mass Surprisingly, I felt that something re- the one sentence that I will never forget. for the first time in months, perhaps ally important for me had taken place. The Cardinal said these words: "we can years. The Gospel reading that day was I felt that my heart was touched. Why be sure that our beloved Pope is stand- about the Good Shepherd who goes in did I feel so shocked at this elderly ing today at the window of the Father’s search of His sheep. I was full of joy! man’s death, someone who had been House, that he sees us and blesses us. The darkness that had enveloped me on the verge of death for days? Yes, bless us, Holy Father". He then en- before John Paul died had now van- The more I saw of John Paul on the trusted the Pope’s soul to Our Blessed ished. On the contrary, I felt as though news coverage over the next few days, Lady, and my heart simply could not I were living in a land of great light! I became more and more intrigued by take any more – it broke. My heart this charismatic man. He possessed all broke, I felt as though God had shot of the qualities that I had thought didn’t an arrow right into my heart, he had exist in human beings. In him I saw waited for just the right moment and In the Womb someone who was gentle, strong yet now He had me. I broke into floods of compassionate, kind, faithful and most tears. It were as though God had shone of God's Mercy of all – full of LOVE. He had a light a great light into my heart, and I saw the For the next few months, I felt like shining through his eyes, a joy…all of truth so clearly! I grabbed hold of some a child being taught by its father how the things that I had been looking for rosary beads and clutched the crucifix to walk. So many consolations were but believed to be impossible. I didn’t in my hand, sobbing and kissing the given to me. I felt on fire with the Holy realise at the time, but what I saw in image of Christ, as it dawned on me Spirit, I thirsted to know more about him was a reflection of Christ – he was that I loved Jesus and that I missed Him, Jesus, I built up a relationship with Our another Christ to me. I hungered for all and it was He that I had been look- Blessed Mother. Jesus became more and of these qualities that he possessed, and ing for all of this time – and He had more of a reality for me. I just recall I wondered deep within me – "what been right there all of the time! I could thinking, "why didn’t anyone ever tell has he got that I haven’t?" Nothing he not believe what was happening! Here me about all of this? It’s wonderful, and could have said about Jesus could have I was, a 17 year old girl who had grown it is so plain to see that it’s the truth!" converted me. It was not his words that to be anti-Christ, a hater of religion, I wanted everyone to know about the

10 | The Angels | No 1 | 2010 TESTIMONIES treasure that I had discovered. And I felt very close to John Paul. What Jesus has done for me in His mercy is so wonderful, I am so Conversion grateful to Him. He is my treas- ure. I am eternally grateful to John Paul 2nd for allowing God to work through him so powerfully, for be- in the Grotto ing open to his grace. I look upon him as my spiritual father. And of course I was overjoyed when Cardinal Ratzinger was chosen as of St Michael his successor! I feel that it is now my duty to tell others about the mercy y Journey started when of God, who desires so much to I decided to go with my draw us to His compassionate heart friend on a pilgrimage to burning with love for us. Mthe Gargano Mountains in Italy, and Finally, I would like to leave you had the amazing result of my return- with these words which were spo- ing with God as my best friend. This ken by John Paul in his last mes- was all the more surprising because sage to the world, which spoke to I had been an atheist for forty years. me so strongly at the time, which From the age of twelve years I had I felt were personally addressed to rejected all belief in God and actively me in some way. I believe these are searched for proof that God had never words from the Merciful Heart of existed. I looked for the support of my Christ Himself, reaching out to His conviction in literature and philoso- children through his servant:- phy. I thought that people believed in To humanity, which at times God because they were afraid of death; appears lost and dominated by the their fear made them seek immortality power of evil, of selfishness, and fear, and eternal life. I felt more daring than the Lord resurrected offers as a gift they were; and was even proud of the his forgiving love, reconciles and reo- atheist way of thinking, for I was not pens the spirit to hope. It is a love afraid of biological death. that converts hearts and gives peace. In my opinion, a soul was cosmic How much need the world has to un- energy. Although natural phenom- derstand and receive Divine Mercy! ena stopped astonishing me long Oh Lord, who with your death ago, I still wondered what conscience and resurrection reveal the love of was. Was it inner memory or amor- „„Monte Sant Angelo the Father, we believe in you and al code? Where people bound for with confidence we repeat today, perfection? What was nothingness? beautiful places and monuments. "Jesus, I trust in you, have mercy I could not find answers to these Although, I was just supposed to be on us and the entire world". questions which may have brought my friend’s companion during the (Pope John Paul II wrote me to God. But, I was not courageous pilgrimage, this journey was to be the Sunday’s General Audience mes- enough to change my philosophy of most important one of my life. sage on the vigil of the feast of the life. Instead, I was so obdurate in my At first I was enthusiastic about Divine Mercy, Saturday, April 2, the beliefs that my spiritual transforma- the trip, but when my friend with- day he died.) tion would be a miracle. drew from it, this made me feel that I loved travelling and just wanted I should resign too. Even on the day Lisa Burns to see the frescoes of Assisi and other of departure I struggled especially in

The Angels | No 1 | 2010 | 11 TESTIMONIES the Cracovian chapel of St Michael’s and the religious conversions which I experienced bliss of harmony with Congregation. But eventually I suc- took place in the Grotto. myself and the world. I had the impres- cumbed to the lure of the frescoes. I felt physically disorientated when sion that it was only a beautiful dream Besides I did not feel like going home talking to people and a priest as I dis- that would end as soon as I came back in the rain with so much luggage. covered many unresolved issues that to Poland. The state of delight last- It was really difficult for me to had poisoned my life. I couldn’t sleep ed for three months; I stopped being cope with the prayers and religious and cried all night. In the morning afraid of the world, snakes and death. songs on the coach. I did not want to I needed to be spiritually purified via The 29th September 2001 is not only talk to these strangers, I just wanted to confession, so I went to “the reconcili- the day of my spiritual rebirth, but also become invisible and to escape any- ation grotto” where there was a priest the miraculous healing of my many where; even in Rome I decided to go from the Congregation of St Michael phobias. In that day there is also a fes- to Florence, but a guide had taken our who lived in Cracow. Having expected tival of the Three Archangels and I’m passports for safety. However, I got rejection and damnation, I was sur- sure that they helped me to discover accustomed to the pilgrims and sur- prised by his acceptance and good will. the Divine Mercy. rendered to the course of events. He told me to come at three pm. (at It has been a year since my conver- sion; seemingly nothing has changed in my life, yet I changed spiritually. At first, I thought God would fill me up with great joy all the time, it turned out that faith included crisis, difficult periods, falls and willingness to re- turn to the old familiar life that I led before. I didn’t know how to pray so God sent me another priest who taught me a particular prayer called “lectio divina”. I tried to be consistent and patient and just prayed; thanks to it I got to know Jesus and the Gospels better. I also got familiar with myself: I had to deal with the truth about my despair, painful moments, emotion- „„The Grote of the Aparitions of St. Michael (Monte Sant Angelo) al inhibitions, limitations and com- plexes. But I wasn’t afraid anymore I experienced strange feelings in that moment I did not know that it was as I felt that God was with me. It was St Benedict’s Monastery at Monte the Hour of Divine Mercy.) easy to the Lord when my heart was Cassino; It was very touched dur- I sat on a kerb near a church cry- full of positive feelings, yet it was far ing the Mass in the Polish cemetery. ing and waiting for confession for five more difficult when I realized that was After Mass and the Way of the Cross hours. I did not care about passing a ruin. I was helpless and couldn’t in San Giovanni Rotondo at Padre people and colorful stalls. I tried to control my life and relationships with Pio’s tomb, I felt moved and fidgety. remind myself of all my sins which people. I went to church and entrust- We had time to do some shopping but led to two basic ones: I had deprived ed God with all my problems. Then, instead of buying souvenirs I franti- myself of God and I had deprived I understood the core of faith. It was cally looked for a priest to talk to. God of me. easy to believe in God but it was far But, I could not find one. Perhaps it I have never thought that confes- more difficult to believe Him. I expe- just wasn’t my time. Also I was not sion might have such a healing power! rienced the Lord’s mighty power and ready to accept what was going on. Joy filled me up so much that my Soul intimateness with God-Father who In the evening we went to Mont Sant could not contain all these feelings and loved me boundlessly. Angelo but I still did not believe in the emotions. For the first time in my life miraculous revelations of St Michael I felt that I belonged to someone; Mary

12 | The Angels | No 1 | 2010 QUESTIoNS Do you know...? Do you know the origins of the name of Saint Michael Archistrategos and where the first temple devoted to him was built?

On the basis of the Apocalypse, in ‘Epistola Apostolarum’ Christian authorities called the archangel ‘Archistrategos’, which means ‘the leader of heavenly strategists’. A cult of St. Michael originated from the East; the first temple devoted to the archangel was built in Phrygia in Asia Minor in the early times of Christian era. Probably in the 7th century the temple was transferred to the hill of Do you know why the pilgrims mentioned in ‘Officium of St. Michael’: Khonai (Chonae) where it was known to mont sant Michel (France) ‘The sea moved and the earth shook as St. Michael of Khonai church. St. were easily recognised by the when Michael the Archangel descend- Paul’s letter to Colossians may be tak- local people? ed from Heaven, Hallelujah!’ en as proof of historic existence of the The extraordinary event was church. St. Paul warned the young In Normandy, France, a sanctuary called ‘the miracle of shore’s cross’. Christian congregation against exces- devoted to St. Michael was established Germanic tribes went on pilgrimages sive interest in angels that was popu- between 706 and 708. In Middle Ages, to the sanctuary that became a well- lar in nearby Phrygia. Nevertheless, there was a rocky hill Mont Tombe known place in Europe. Benedictine church authorities rejected the gnostic (Tomb Mountain) in the centre of abbey was established there in 966; cult of angels in Phrygia during the Scissy forest stretching in the marches the monks had stayed in Mont Sant council in Laodicea in 860. of Normandy and Breton. Michel for 823 years. According to a legend, on 3rd The full bloom of St. Michael October in 706 or 708 bishop Aubert of cult was said to had lasted till 1523. Avranches had a dream on Rocher de Pilgrims heading to Mont Sant Michel la Tombe, in which St. Michael ordered had shells on them, thanks to which him to build a basilica on the pattern they were were easily recognized of the church of Monte Gargano in by local people. That was why, all Italy. Authorities of Italian sanctuary the pilgrims were called ‘mickeys’ handed over two relics (a piece of a red as everbody knew that they went to veil that St. Michael left and a piece or returned from the sanctuary de- of marble, which the archangel sat on voted to St. Michael. The feast dated when revealed) to the French temple. on 16th October was celebrated in Consecration of Mont Sant Michel France and several dioceses in Spain church was held probably on 16th and Switzerland. October in 709. At the same time the sea flooded the Scissy forest, which was Fr. Roman Chyliński CSMA

The Angels | No 1 | 2010 | 13 ANGELS IN THE BIBLE Angels – servants of Merciful God ussian writer Anatol violent emotions. The older worry outward appearance, but the Lord Kuzniecov (1929-1979) re- about money, clothes, homes. The looks at the heart" (1 Sm 16,7). God flects on the life of a mod- most cunning and the smartest elbow says that a genuine man is the one Rern man in a short story entitled their way towards the front". who loves people and who emanates "A Legend to Be Continued". One Kuzniecov writes about the tyr- with hope, peace and optimism even of the protagonists talks to the youth anny of sucess - proved via a good if there were bad experiences that when intoxicated; he says: "Today’s job, a spacious house and a posses- could undermine his humanity. world is a jungle full of predators. sion of numerous things, which has The beginning of human degra- The winner is the one who gnaws infected human mentality. It seems dation is deeply rooted in the Fall someone’s throat. Beautiful but os- that people without "tangible" suc- of the First Parents. The fall has de- tensible ideas are made up in books cess are ostracized from a society. stroyed harmony between God and only. When young we looked for However, Jewish philosopher and His creature, between people and peo- the truth; later in life we get used a teacher Martin Buber retorts ple’s inner harmony. However, God to being on our own. Look around: that "Success is not any of God’s couldn’t stand that situation and res- when you’re young, you have fun, names". God rules according to dif- cued a man with angels’ help. In the read various books and experience ferent principles: "Man looks at the Book of Genesis one can read: "So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. After He drove the man out, He placed at the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flash- ing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life." (Genesis 3, 23:24) It is the third act of the drama of the First People’s Fall. The first act consists of temptation and the fall; the second one constitutes an interrogation and a pronunciation of a sentence. As far as the third act is concerned, three Hebrew verbs used in the text explain what exacly had happen in the Garden of Eden. The verb "salah" means that the executor of the sentence is God, who takes people away from Eden.

14 | The Angels | No 1 | 2010 from the tree of knowing good and evil. Violation of the ban by the First Parents caused that they were expelled from the Garden and from the tree of life (immortality). Each of us still longs for immortality deeply in our hearts. Jewish apocryphal writings men- tion about God opening the gate of the Garden of Eden. He will take the flaming sword away and let the chosen eat the fruits from the tree of life. The very fact it took place when Christ was born and died to redeem us. According to the Apocalypse the tree of life will be accessible for those who have washed their robes in the Lamb’s blood. Christ’s blood washes away men’s sins and makes the souls pure enough to approach the tree of life. If man being in the state of original sin ate the fruit from the tree of life, the sin would last forever and man would become like satan. We shouldn’t be surprised that God took proper steps: He expelled man from the Garden and from the tree of life to protect His creatures from another tragic event. Driving man out turned The verb "garas" specifies that God -ex meet with god Anu. A protective out to be God’s greatest grace. pels them from the Garden. The third deity Ea advised him not to accept In the context of the Book of verb "sakan" means "to plant, to settle" any gifts from Anu. When Adapa Genesis cherubs seem to be servants and refers both to the cherubs and to refused to take the bread of life and of the Merciful God. They appear 90 the flaming sword. The latter are to water of life, he is sent back to earth. times in Old Testament whereas in protect the tree of life from people. He became a sage; yet, he rejected the New Testament just once. They Why did God make such a decision? eternal life. are described as people or animals with How could it be explained? The myth appears to be an ex- wings. After the Redemption cherubs The secret may be partly guessed ception in East mythology for in all are to help us be disciples of Christ who if we try to understand what "tree of the stories the gift of immortality is is the source of our life. They are said in life" means. The tree of life (Hebr. ‘ěş closely guarded and cannot be trans- Hebrews: "Are not all angels minister- hahayyîm) is well-known symbol of ferred to anyone else. ing spirits sent to serve those who will immortality in the East. It is men- Man can make futile attempts of inherit salvation?" (Heb 1, 14) tioned six times in Old Testament stealing "immortality”. However, in Saint angels, fervent executors of and five times in New Testament. It’s the Bible the tree of life was accessi- God’s will, teach us to realize and not much; but the symbol is covered ble to man; First Parents ate the fruits execute God’s will so that we could in a traditional Jewish candlestick from the tree. Man was free from old live well and deserve seeing God in with seven branches. According to age and death which resulted from heaven. a Babylonian myth once there was his creation in God’s own image. a man Adapa who was supposed to God forbade them to eat the fruits Fr. Henryk Skoczylas CSMA

The Angels | No 1 | 2010 | 15 124 years of St. Michael Exorcism by His Holiness Pope Leo XIII

uring the pontificate of Leo In 1984 an article about the pope’s vi- XIII (1878-1903) members sion was published in Italian monthly of the Masonry attacked the "Madre di Dio". Father Domenico Saint Michael DCatholic Church by telling lies and Pachenino wrote: "I don’t remeber the Archangel, spreading slanders about the Church. the exact year... After Pope Leo XIII defend us in battle, In 1884 Leo XIII published an encyc- had celebrated the first Mass, he used be our protection lical "Humanum Genus" on Masonry, to attend to the second one as thanks- against the wickedness its structure, principles of working giving. One day during the second and snares of the devil. and methods of excluding people Mass he suddenly raised his head and May God rebuke him, from the organisation. looked unwaveringly at something we humbly pray Two years later the Pope wrote above a celebrant. He stood motion- and do thou, "St. Michael Exorcism" after he had less with fear and astonishment on O Prince had a vision of demons surrounding his face. He experienced something. of the Heavenly Host, the city of Rome. On 29th July 1886 Then, he left the chapel. He was com- by the Divine Leo XIII ordered that the prayer pletely absent-minded; he went to his Power of God, had to be said in all churches in private library. "I’m fine, thank you" cast into hell Satan the world. Priests and the faithful he answered his worried co-workers’ and all the evil spirits were to say the exorcism on their questions whether he felt well. Later who wander throughout knees after so called silent Mass (cel- on, the Pope called the secretary of the world seeking ebrated without religious songs). Congregation of Celebrations and the ruin of souls. The prayer used to be said together handed him a sheet of paper with Amen. with prayers to our Holy Mother. a short prayer to St. Michael. Leo XIII told him to print it and send to On 29th July 2010 all the ordinaries in the world in or- the exorcism will der to say it on their knees together have had 124 years. with the faithful".

16 | The Angels | No 1 | 2010 In 1946 cardinal Nasalli Rocca Satan still acts deceitfully in the wrote about the prayer: "A personal world. Archbishop Angelo Comastri, secretary of Leo XIII told me that the who was the author of the texts read Pope really had a vision of demons by Pope Benedict XVI during the gathering over the city of Rome; Way of The Cross in 2006, wrote: "We that’s why there were words ‘the evil lost the meaning of a sin. Nowadays, spirits who wander throughout the insidious apology for evil is spread- world’ in the exorcism. The pope ing in the world. An absurd cult of himself said the prayer in a trem- Satan, mad desires for breaking all bling but strong voice; I heard it the rules, mendacious propaganda many times in Vatican basilica. of empty freedom that appreciates Leo XIII also wrote another special whims and egoism seem to be ben- exorcism". efits of civilisation... It appears that The Second Vatican Council re- we deal with demonic pride which formed the liturgy and did away wants to get rid of the family". with St. Michael exorcism. However, Let’s say the St. Michael Exorcism several years ago church authori- everyday for His Holiness Pope ties agreed to say the prayer af- Benedict XVI and the Catholic Church, ter all Masses in the St. Michael for families, children and the youth. Congregations and in parishes dedi- cated to the archangel. Father Edward Data CSMA

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel against Satan and the rebellious angels (Published by Order of Pope Leo XIII)

The Holy Father exhorts priests to n the name of the Father, and of conduct redeemed souls to Heaven. say this prayer as often as possi- the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Pray therefore to the God of Peace to ble, as a simple exorcism to curb Amen. subdue Satan beneath our feet, that he the power of the devil and pre- I may no longer retain men captive and vent him from doing harm. The Glorious Prince of the Celestial do injury to the Church. Offer our faithful may also say it in their Host, St Michael the Archangel, de- prayers to the Most High, that without own name, for the same purpose, fend us in the conflict which we have delay they may draw down His Mercy as any approved prayer. Its use to sustain against the principalities upon us; seize “the dragon, the old is recommended whenever ac- and powers, against the rulers of serpent, which is the devil and Satan”, tion of the devil is suspected, this world of darkness, against the bind him and cast him into the bot- causing malice in men, violent spirits of wickedness in high plac- tomless pit “so that he may no longer temptations and even storms and es. (Ephesians 6:12). Come to the seduce the nations”. (Apoc.20:2) various calamities. It could be rescue of men whom God has cre- used as a solemn exorcism (an ated in His image and likeness and EXORCISM official and public ceremony in whom He has redeemed at a great In the name of Jesus Christ, our Latin), to expel the devil. It would price from the tyranny of the devil. It Lord and Saviour, strengthened by then be said by a priest, in the is you whom Holy the Church vener- the intercession of the Immaculate name of the Church and only with ates as her Guardian and Protector; Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of the Bishop’s permission. you whom the Lord has charged to Blessed Michael Archangel, of the

The Angels | No 1 | 2010 | 17 Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul and Son commands you. † God the Holy Powers and Dominations of Heaven all the Saints, [and powerful in the Spirit commands you. † He who to are humbly submissive, this Name holy authority of our ministry]* we save our race, outdone through your which the Cherubim and Seraphim confidently undertake to repulse the envy, “humbled Himself, becoming praise unceasingly, repeating: Holy, attacks and deceits of the devil. obedient even unto death” (Phil. 2:8); Holy, Holy is the Lord, the God of Let God arise; let his enemies be He who has built his Church on the Hosts. scattered. Let those who hate Him firm rock and declared that the gates flee before Him.As smoke is blown of hell shall not prevail against Her, V. O Lord, hear my prayer. away so will they be blown away;Like because He will dwell with Her “all R. And let my cry come unto Thee. wax that melts before the fire,So the days even to the end of the world” V. May the Lord be with you wicked shall perish at the presence of (Matt. 28:20). The sacred Sign of R. And also with you. God.(Psalm 67) the Cross commands you, † as does also the power of the mysteries of Let us pray V. Behold the Cross of the Lord! Flee the Christian Faith. † The glorious God of Heaven, God of earth, God bands of enemies. † Mother of God, the Virgin Mary, of Angels, God of Archangels, God R. He has conquered, the Lion of commands you; † She who by her hu- of Patriarchs, God of Prophets, God the tribe of Judah, the offspring mility and from the first moment of of Apostles, God of Martyrs, God of David. her Immaculate conception crushed of Confessors, God of Virgins, God V. May Thy mercy, Lord, descend your proud head. † The faith of the who has power to give life after upon us. Holy Apostles Peter and Paul and of death and rest after work, because R. As great is our hope in You. the other Apostles commands you. there is no other God than Thee † The blood of the martyrs and the and there can be no other — for The crosses indicate a blessing to pious intercession of all the saints Thou art Creator of all things, vis- be given if a priest recites the exor- commands you. † ible and invisible, of whose reign cism. If a lay-person recites it, they Thus, cursed dragon, and you, there shall be no end, we humbly indicate the Sign of the Cross silently diabolical legions, we abjure you by prostrate ourselves before thy glori- by themselves as they say it. the Living God, † by the True God, † ous Majesty and we beseech Thee to We drive you from us, whoev- by the Holy God, † by the God “who deliver us by thy power from all the er you may be: unclean spirits, all so loved the world that He gave up tyranny of the infernal spirits, from satanic powers, all infernal invad- his only Son that every soul believ- their snares, their lies and their fu- ers, all wicked legions, assemblies ing in Him might not perish but rious wickedness; deign, O Lord, to and sects: in the Name of and by have life everlasting” (John 3:16): grant us thy powerful protection the power of our Lord, Jesus Christ, cease deceiving the human race and and to keep us safe and sound. We † may you be snatched away and pouring out to them the poison of beseech Thee through Jesus Christ, driven from the Church of God and eternal perdition; cease harming our Lord. Amen. from the souls made to the image the Church and hindering her lib- and likeness of God and redeemed erty. Begone, Satan, inventor and V. From the snares of the enemy, by the Precious Blood of the Divine master of all deceit, enemy of man’s R. Deliver us, O Lord. Lamb. † Most cunning serpent, you salvation. Cede the place to Christ, V. That the Church may serve Thee shall no more dare to deceive the in whom you have found none of in peace and liberty, human race, persecute the Church, your works; cede the place to the R. We beseech Thee to hear us. torment God’s elect and sift them as One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic V. That Thou may crush down all wheat. † The Most High God com- Church acquired by Christ at the enemies of the Church, mands you. † He with whom, in your price of his Blood. Stoop beneath R. We beseech Thee to hear us. great insolence, you still claim to be the all-powerful hand of God; trem- equal: “He who wants all men to be ble and flee when we invoke the saved and to come to the knowledge Holy and terrible Name of Jesus, this Imprimatur: † Henry OMI of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4) God the Name which causes hell to trem- Vicar Apostolic of James Bay Father commands you. † God the ble, this Name to which the Virtues, 15th August 1967

18 | The Angels | No 1 | 2010 THE ANGELS INTERVIEW Towards spiritual Neurosis or demonic possession? Therapy or exorcism?

An interview with Anna Ostaszewski, a psychotherapist, an exorcists’ consultant and a president of Association of Christian Psychologists

n this interview, Anna shares with us her professional in- sight on patients suffering from Ineurosis or demonic possession. Whether, on the one hand they re- quire therapy for neurosis or on the other need exorcism for de- monic possession. She balances this with her own spiritual experi- ence in her professional life.

Do you think that a curse on fam- magic, as long as the family live in ac- questions “what do I feel?” and “what ily a fiew centuries ago may affect cordance with the grandma’s beliefs, do I think?” and defines conscious a member of that family today? everything is ok. But, if a member of and subconscious feelings and emo- Anna: Well I have read many books the family converts and starts a new tions. The mechanisms work if one is about ancestors sins or curses af- life with God, it means that he or she able to answer those questions. If they fecting next generations but in my has broken free from the widely -held don’t work, a person needs therapy. opinion the information seemed style of living. And, that means that However, in spiritual reality there are unreliable. However, patients talk means that demons no longer feel different rules: a person’s will is the about their grandmothers who were comfortable in that family. most important, he/she has to answer believed to be witches, who could the question “do I want it or not?” foretell the future. But, some psychologists don’t be- lieve in satan and his servants. they But, deviation towards demonizing What does a girl, who returns to try to explain their patients’ prob- of allthe problems is also possible. faith nowadays have in common lems in a natural way… Anna: Yes it is. All the adversities and with a grandma who told fortunes Anna: Yes, it’s because in psychol- problems are ascribed to demons by 80 years ago? ogy mental or spiritual problems are a patient although it is not always true. Anna: It seems that they have noth- based on psychological mechanisms. We often do not use our natural tal- ing in common as everybody has free Psychology is an academic science ents that were given to us by God. The will. However, if a grandma invited does not deal with the supernatural Lord “equipped” us with intellect, free demons to her family by dealing with world. Psychology helps answer the will and two hands to work. Thanks to

The Angels | No 1 | 2010 | 19 THE ANGELS INTERVIEW them we can improve the surround- see an exorcist and we can’t refuse their finger into water (they don’t ings. We should develop these talents. it. Then we write a note that in our even know whether it’s holy or not,) A fallen angel may be a source of the opinion a psychological mechanism, nothing usually happens. However, supernatural, but a human being has not a spiritual possession underlies in a case of demonic possession to make a decision whether they ac- all illness or a problem. It happened the contact with holy water causes cept it or not. Demons may tempt us, that an exorcist sent a patient back panic attacks. Once I met a priest frighten or deceive us; yet it is our free to me. It also happens that ones fam- and his patient. When she saw me will that decides if we keep in contact ily refer them to an exorcist because in just 20seconds she became stiff with them. However, we should not they want a quick and easy solution and covered her face with her hands. forget that demonic activity is under of a difficult situation. They think After that I asked her what had hap- God’s control so we don’t have to wor- that if they charge demons with re- pened with her. She answered she ry so much. sponsibility, they won’t have to do didn’t know. “Suddenly I felt hatred At one time my patient wanted to anything by themselves. According to to this place and to the cross on the prove that some fallen angel occupied my opinion, demonic activity in our wall” she said. his leg. Evidently, he suffered From lives is strictly connected with one Other symtoms are blasphemous neurosis, not from demonic posses- or one’s family’s free opening deci- thoughts. On the one hand, in spite of sion. “You have neurosis” I said to sion of finding supernatural power such thoughts one still goes to church him. “It’s much worse than possession everywhere apart from God. and takes sacraments, we can say that because now I have to do something the thoughts are neurotic, on the other to change my life; when going to an How can a psychologist find out hand if one omits church and doesn’t exorcist, it’s he who has to worry about that a patient suffers from demonic take the sacraments due to blasphe- me” he said. That was quite funny. possession and not a psychological mous thoughts, we are pretty sure of disorder? demonic activity in that person. The How does the meeting with a per- Anna: We ask detailed questions about Sacraments are our basic protection. son who is probably suffering from spiritual practices by which a patient demonic possession go? could invite demons into his/her life. Protection from what? Anna: Well, first of all, we ask why Approximately 80% of our patients or Anna: From demons. Satan cannot one thinks they need exorcisms. someone from their family used magic. be where God is. The next symptom We study one’s history of life and We discovered that some syndromes is fear or anxiety; patients feel fright- try to find psychological reasons correspond to both psychological and ened and deceived especially when for a problem. We also ask about spiritual disorders. However, we also it comes to the matter of faith, God esoteric experience, whether they or realized that there are syndromes un- and their opinion about themselves. anybody in their family took it up. typical of psychological problems. We If we define the problem as psycho- met patients who described their prob- How can blasphemous thoughts be logical we suggest a patient starting lems using the same words and sen- distinguished from other thoughts? therapy. Please, do not think that tences as others although they didn’t Anna: Blasphemous thoughts are we assume or guess what kind of know one another. It was very astonish- usually the result of excessive de- problem a patient has got. We’ve got ing. Spiritual disorder may be a disease mands that a person cannot satisfy. precise criteria for an appraisal. entity if researched. A family or people themselves require a lot and burdens become unbear- That if a patient doesn’t agree with What are the symtoms of demonic able. Patients suffer from neurosis; your diagnosis and still demands possession? stress causes rage that is directed to- exorcisims? Anna: These are strange reactions to wards God as they think that God Anna: Most of them agree with it blessed objects or sacraments. For orders them to do things they cannot as we always substantiate the diag- instance, if a healthy man is to faint, understand. Such people are afraid nosis by emphasizing tragic or sad it would happen in a stressful situ- to express their fury and frustration events from ones past that could ation. But, if it happens in a church directly so they have blasphemous be a source for present problems. that’s’ weird. A good diagnostic test thoughts about god. It often happens, Sometimes a patient still wants to is contact with holy water. If one put when the sourroundins puts blame

20 | The Angels | No 1 | 2010 it happened with such noise and force that my secretary working in the next room said the rosary. Once I had a patient who wanted to throw herself out of the window. I tried to persuade her not to As it was on the ground floor and noth- ing harmful could happen to her; besides I didn’t want my Patients to leave my office in such a way. But she didn’t listen to me, she stood stiff and suddenly In an altered voice “She shouldn’t live, we’ll kill her, she needs to be killed.” I stated to pray in thoughts I asked the Holy Mother for help. And then the patient screamed ‘Oh no, we can’t stand the white lady!” I was amazed because demons don’t know our thoughts. Later on a priest explained it to me that The Holy Mother must have been there; the demons saw her as on them for not fulfilling their ex- Do you believe in angels? they are spirits. I couldn’t see her. pectations of them. Patients think Anna: We know from the Bible The Virgin Mary is always near us. that God blames them too. They get about the existence of good and I always ask Her to put me in Her mad at themselves because they are fallen angels. I sometimes pray to Immaculate Heart. After the patient not able to meet others’ requirements my guardian angel. During consulta- left my office, I smelled the scent of and at God because in their opinion it tion meetings with priests-exorcists white roses. My secretary went in is he who pushes them to be perfect. I often realised the the existence of and asked whether she had sweet Patients with blasphemous thoughts something beyond my psychologi- smelling perfumes. I denied this as were usually brought up in families cal experience and knowledge. That I knew that my patient didn’t use any that used emotional blackmail or rig- something could be demons perfumes. The scent belonged to our orous discipline in their upbringing. Holy Mother. Such people have to learn how it is to As a psychologist can you say that be emotionally and spiritually free. exorcisms are effective? here can be no subject more Freedom is deeply rooted In our na- Anna: Of course. If one has got spir- complex or mysterious than ture, we were created as free people. itual problems I cannot do much. that of the human mind. Anna Thas given us an opportunity, to view Do they complain about some- So God’s power is the greatest in the evaluation techniques used to dif- thing else? the world! ferentiate between neurosis and de- Anna: Yes, they cannot wake up nor- Anna: Yes, and I can feel it when monic possession. While psychology mally. It means that people usually I pray. At first, I was frightened when is undoubtably an academic profes- say “I was woken in the morning by I saw people losing consciousness sion, she has observed first hand the something or someone” also “I felt during consultations. I couldn’t do supernatural influence while treating terribly frightened and only prayer anything as a psychologist, but I could her patients. There is no doubt that helped me.” They also grumble about pray as a human being. I realized that Our Lord, His Holy Mother and the mounted problems over their con- it is god who is able to expel demons Angels are ever present in our lives. version although they have expected from a patient. When I prayed, the their life would become better. attacks stopped although sometimes interviewed by Fr. Piotr Prusakiewicz

The Angels | No 1 | 2010 | 21 A biblist scholar answers... Angels’ names

I’ve got two questions, answers to which are crucial for me. I’ve had the same dream about my guardian angel for several weeks. I’d like to know his name to strenghten our relationship. 1. Is it possible to know guardian angel’s name? 2. Is it possible that my angel guardian used to be a fallen angel who was back in God’s grace?

nfortunately, an interest in from apocryphal literature, texts angels appears boundless. In of cabbala, books of magic and various esoteric magazines spells and from Jewish mysticism of Uone can read detailed information Merkava. In 745 the Pope Zacharias about angels, their private lives, con- rejected angelic names that did not nections with the Tarot, amulets and appear in the Bible. The same was talismans, and horoscope. Authors of done during the synod in Aix-la- articles even write about the colour Chapelle in 789; a prayer written by of angelic hair. However, we should a charlatan called Adelbert ("I pray treat this information as a fairytale to you, angel Uriah, angel Raguel, and do not succumb to harmful im- angel Tubuel, angel Michael, angel aginations. It would be wiser to check Inias, angel Tubuas, angel Sabaock, what the Bible says about angels. angel Simiel") was publicly con- According to the Bible angels re- demned. The reason was that all the vealed their names rather reclutantly. names but Michael defined demons When Jacob struggled with the an- rather than good angels. Moreover, gel on the Jabbok stream and asked the Bible didn’t mention a word about his name, the angel did not an- about them. swer. Among a mass of angels merely three angelic names were disclosed: Raphael (the Book of Tobit 12, 15), Michael (the Book of Daniel 10, 13) Your and Gabriel (Luke 1, 19). Angels do not reveal their names because they Guardian's name two angels to protect her; her angel do not want to focus people’s at- It is not essential for you to know guardian called Sapiel and another tention on them. Angels wish that your guardian's name. Raphael, one named Emanuel. everybody worships God’s Name. Michael and Gabriel are exceptions It is not necessary to know our The meanings of the three angelic because they had extraordinary mis- guardian angels names so we can names are compliments paid to God. sions to carry out. Of course, there strengthen our friendship with "Michael" equals "Nobody but God!"; are hagiographical works about them. A knowledge of angelic "Raphael" means "God heals!" and saints who probably knew angelic names is a crucial element of oc- "Gabriel" – "God Almighty". names but the stories should be 'tak- cultism. English spiritualist John Other angelic names were in- en with a pinch of salt'. For instance, Dee looked for a medium to know vented by people. They originate Saint Humilitas claimed that she had the angelic language. Later he said

22 | The Angels | No 1 | 2010 ANGELIC BREATH OF LIFE that spiritual beings revealed a long they may open their hearts and list of names that belonged to both minds to demons. At first the lat- to fallen angels and the good ones. ter seem as supportive and attentive The patron Dee claimed that he was able to as good angels; however, later on it raise ghosts and persuade them to turns out that they desire our souls. of hope cooperate with him. A Guardian Angel cannot be a fall- en angel. According to the Roman- uring a retreat for nuns Catholic Catechism, the fall of angels in the Cogregation of is irreversible. St. Thomas Aquinas Christ’s Heart St Michael said that a penance and return to God Dthe Archangel was called "the pa- appeared impossible for angels as they tron of hope". An anecdote about were not able to reject what they had a bishop’s visit in one of the con- chosen and loved before. God has gregations in Italy was told. given us guardian angels and we can- "Why don’t you have any nov- not lose them in any way although in ices here?" the bishop asked the modern literature a motif of losing an girls whom the nuns took care of. angel guardian seems popular. "When I see sad and worried The most important issue is that nuns’ faces I don’t feel like living angels should not obscure God; they in such a community" answered are just "angels ministering spirits one of the girl. sent to serve those who will inherit Rapture. Brighter side of life. salvation" (Hebrews 1,14.) In the Belief in victory. Light visible from 3rd century Saint Augustine wrote: faraway. It is not a delusion but... ‘It is unreasonable to pray to angels. a deliberate choice that requires Our prayers should be directed to a conscious decision. People need God, who is sufficient for everybody, those who do not give up hope. via Jesus Christ, His Son.’ In the 4th After the seromon I wrote century St. Eusebius of Caesarea ar- down "St. Michael, the patron of gued that spiritual beings were sent hope, raise hope in my heart ev- to help us but the homage and admi- eryday. Don’t let me live my life ration should be paid to God. St. Paul with resignation and anxiety". warned against exaggerated angelic cult: "Do not let anyone who delights Fr. Krzysztof Poświata CSMA in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great de- tail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with A good Christian should avoid idle notions. He has lost connection making contact with spiritual crea- with the Head, from whom the whole tures via occult practices. Fortune- body, supported and held together telling is forbidden in the Bible. So by its ligaments and sinews, grows as called ‘channeling’ contradicts the God causes it to grow". (Col 2,18:19) faith in God; people dealing with The last thing I’d like to explain con- channeling may be in danger of de- cerns the prayers. We pray to God and monic possession. It is God who Jesus Christ only; prayers to angels are sends His angelic emmisaries to us. requests for their praying for us. However, if one looks for a contact with spritual beings on their own, Roman Zając

The Angels | No 1 | 2010 | 23 prophets The Mystery of Divine Sight

Unfortunately, the man does not an- of the humble State of his servant.” swer for Jesus’ sight and rejects a les- (Luke 1, 46-48) son of love. “One thing you lack. Go, Children appear as humble as sell everything you have and give to Mary for they possess nothing and the poor, and you will have treasure rely on adults. Both children and in heaven.” (Mar 10,21) In that Mary are looked on with likeness by case, love loses with wealth. God via angelic eyes. Angels seem And yet, God’s sight proved to be divine eyes; they continuously to have a profound affect on the gaze at people and as Jesus says: young Basil Hume ( later to become “See that you do not look down on Cardinal Hume.) His book, “In my one of these little ones. For I tell own words” mentions an event from you that their angels in heaven al- his childhood which changed his ways see the face of my Father in personality completely. Having vis- heaven.” (Mt,18,10) ited a sedate lady, he noticed a rug Blessed Father Bronislaw on a wall with the inscription “God Markiewicz, who established is looking at you.” The old lady ex- Congregations of St Michael, discov- plained to the frightened boy that ered the Mystery of Divine Sight, that God looked at him all the time not was caught by humility, simplicity, because He wanted to catch him moderation and work. That is why in bad deeds but because the Lord he attempted to shape those virtues loved him so much that he could in his wards. not take His eyes from him. From Let’s quote fragments of two of that moment, a would- be primate his many letters written to his many of England was always happy no friends, which confirm Father matter what situation was happen- Markiewicz’s genuine engagement „„Blessed Father Bronisław Markiewicz CSMA ing to him. He realized that God in Divine Service: A letter to Father was Love and could not treat people Orlemby - “My beloved brothers! either of the Books of the without love. I pray for you blessings. Let our con- Bible inform us about the God takes delight in the eager gregation be widespread all over the colour of God’s eyes. Are for lowliness and humility. Jesus world. Now we are well known in Nthey green or black? Similarly, nei- loved the Virgin Mary not only be- Poland.” ther of the evangelists write about cause she was his Mother but also A letter to Crispianus – “Our the colour of God’s eyes; yet, they because she was meek and hum- humiliation is in accordance with stress the fact that Jesus looks at ble. During the Annunciation she God’s will. The more unrewarding people with love. For instance when said: “My Soul glorifies the Lord activities, the greater humility and meeting a rich man –“Jesus looked and my spirit rejoices in God my similarity to Jesus Christ and the at him and loved him.” (Mar 10, 21) Saviour, for he has been mindful greater Divine Love and sanctity.

24 | The Angels | No 1 | 2010 Blessed Bronisław

orn on 13th July 1842 in Pruchnik near Jarosław (south- eastern Poland), he was a priest Bof the Przemyśl Diocese, and was a re- vered churchman recognised for his spirit of sacrifice. He was also profes- sor of the local Major Seminary. From the very beginning of his priestly life, he was particularly sensitive towards the religious, moral, and material neg- ligence of children and youth and to the misery of simple people. He spoke strongly against the national vices of the Polish nation. In his opinion the solution of social problems depended upon the proper education of young people and on changing the moral climate of the whole society. Following the divine voice, he went to Italy and became a follower of Saint John Bosco. After seven years, in 1892, he returned to Poland and was put in charge of the parish in Miejsce Piastowe (south-eastern Poland). In addition to his pastoral work, he provided a widespread educational system, which not only included aca- demics but also dealt with the spiritual and physical growth of the children, in the houses established by him. He soon thought of founding a new reli- gious congregation. On 23rd September 1923, he pe- The virtue of humility prepares peo- me; I’m not going to be blue, no. titioned the Bishop of Przemyśl and ple for important tasks. So let’s live I’m going to enjoy all humilia- the Pope to allow him to found the and work with humility; we’ll be tions I experience. I’ll pray for Congregation of St. Michael the a pleasant spectacle for angels and those who humiliate me in any Archangel. In spite of intensive efforts our neighbours. Apart from Masses, way.” How can we complain on his part, Father Markiewicz did not humility provides us with Divine about our problems when faced live to witness its approval and died on Mercy. We should thank God for with Markiewicz’s way of think- 29th January 1912. On 29th September the virtue of humility and beg Him ing? God is looking at us with 1921, Adam Stefan Sapieha, Bishop of for a grace of perseverance In our love. Turning our life, the Divine Krakow, issued the Erecting Decree of pilgrimage.” Spectacle, into a drama seems the Congregation. On 15th June 1966, The Blessed from Miejsce pointless and shameful. the Congregation was affirmed under Piastowe, Poland, also wrote: “I’m papal law. The beatification took place glad, God that You have humiliated Fr. Ryszard Andrzejewski CSMA in Warsaw on June 19, 2005.

The Angels | No 1 | 2010 | 25 ANGELS IN THE BIBLE Angels in St Joseph’s dreams ut after he had considered this, relatives and neigh- an angel of the Lord appeared to bours were con- him in a dream and said, "Joseph vinced that Jesus Bson of David, do not be afraid to take is Joseph’s son. The Mary home as your wife, because what angel explained to is conceived in her is from the Holy Joseph that Mary’s Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and Son was conceived you are to give him the name Jesus, from the Holy because he will save his people from Spirit; Mary’s hus- their sins." (Matthew 1, 20:21) band was ensured that she did not betray him at any When they had gone, an angel God appeals to Joseph in way. Joseph realized that his wife of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. We know that God some- would deliver a son, not a daughter. a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the times may use dreams to talk to us. The angel emphasised that Son’s child and his mother and escape to Dreams belong to subconsciousness name meant "Saviour"; He would Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for which is accessible both to good an- redem people from their sins, and Herod is going to search for the child gels and fallen demons. Man is re- not from Roman occupation. to kill him." (Matthew 2,13) sponsile for their subconsciousness In the context of God’s inter- partly only. If God intervenes via vention in Joseph’s life we should Once again God talked to Joseph dream, a man gains such certainty consider Lord’s activity in our lives. in a dream. This time Joseph treated of God’s activity that it permeates He cares about our spiritual devel- the angel’s words as an order to be their whole existence. Joseph was opment which takes place through carried out immediately. The angel sure that the angel he had seen in our making good decisions accord- gave a detailed instruction what to do the dream was God’s genuine emis- ing to God’s Law. Joseph also made and how to do it; he also explained sary. Joseph was called the son of up his mind and decided to break that Herod wished to kill the Child. David, which reminded him of his off the engagement with Mary. God Joseph was to protect Jesus and then royal origin. The angel persuaded could have protected him from pain wait for another commands. The Joseph to change his decision con- and suffering when he discovered Holy Family lived according to their cerning his wife and Son and to that his fiancee was pregnant. Lord faith; they did not plan anything and continue the marital relationship could have sent His angel just af- expected angelic calling. It must have with Mary. From the legal point of ter the meeting with Mary; but been a difficult situation for Joseph view, if a man married a pregnant He didn’t. God waited for Joseph’s but he believed God’s words without woman, he automatically adopt- decision; after that He came with reservations. It is a mystery of perfect ed her child. That was why their explanations. trust to God.

26 | The Angels | No 1 | 2010 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, Questions take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead." So he got up, took the child about angels and his mother and went to the land of Israel. (Matthew 2, 19-21) Do angels have free will? the Bible we become ensured that our guardian angel is sent to help us in our Joseph was given another order Yes, they do. What distinguishes earthly pilgrimage. However, we can that he carried out. His obedience angels from people is lack of body; ask other angels for help if needed. to God reminds us that we should what connects us is free will and intel- The Saints do not compete with one also fulfil God’s will perfectly and lect. Yet, because angels are not limited another in taking care of us; they act immediately. to the matter, their free will and intel- on the basis of Law of Love and help lect is far more perfect than human’s. If anyone who asks them for. But when he heard that Archelaus they didn’t have free will, some of them was reigning in Judea in the place would never rebel against God. Their Is demonic possession possible of his father Herod, he was afraid sin was based on their free choice of by saying ‘Satan, come to my to go there. Having been warned in declaring their ego as more important soul’ or by signing a pac with a dream, he withdrew to the district than God. Angels became disobedient the devil? of Galilee. (Matthew 2, 22) and do not repent of their sin. If one says such words reckless- Joseph trusted God; how- Does the guardian angel take ly, it isn’t possible that demons seize ever, he still thought rationally. care of a human being from the one’s soul. We should remember that Joseph felt fear when he realised moment of their conception or an invitation of Satan must be a con- that Archelaus might also want to from their birth? Does the guard- scious and free decision. One has to murder Jesus. Again he was asked ian angel take care of baby’s par- be aware of the consequences of their to execute God’s will without wor- ents, too? choice. Calling demons due to fear or ries. Joseph was obedient to God; revenge does not work although it may even though he had other respon- According to Church teaching an- also be dangerous. However, thanks to sabibities, he had trust and this gels accompany us from childhood baptism we are ‘equipped’ with inner helped him to realise the Lord's till death; however, we can assume knowlegde of what is good and what will. He critically assessed Mary’s that they take care of us from the mo- is evil. Also thanks to baptism we are pregnancy and jeopardy resulting ment of conception. It would be hard able to recognize evil and reject it as from Herod’s intentions. He did not to believe that God leaves us alone well as to choose good. Because we doubt in God’s plan for his family from the very moment of our life. Of were created in God’s own image, call- but he needed certainty. Critical course, such view was not accepted ing Satan contradicts our nature as he thinking made his life easier. in Middle Ages; in 13th century St. ‘was a murderer from the beginning.’ Certainly whether we execute Thomas and St. Bonaventure taught (John 8:44) We are protected by Christ God’s will is rooted in the Gospels, that human soul was created just sev- (‘the result of one act of righteousness the Ten Commandments, our eve- eral dozen days after conception but was justification that brings life for all ryday’s duties and good inspira- their way of thinking equalled con- men.’ Romans 5:18) and the saints and tions that God sends to our hearts. temporary medical knowledge about angels; yet, if we voluntarily choose Life according to God’s will is like pregnancy and foetus. Evil, Jesus can not make us do anything driving a train on the rail instead ‘Are not all angels ministering spir- and insist on His care. It’s always our of a bumpy terrain. its sent to serve those who will inherit free will that decides what to choose. salvation?’ (Hebrews 1:14). Following Fr. Edward Staniek the above-mentioned sentence from by Fr. Zdzisław Kijas

The Angels | No 1 | 2010 | 27 ANGELS AND THE diVINE mERCY Saint Faustina and angels

"See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him." Exodus 23, 20:21.

ngels usually help a person companions in her mystic trips to called their help. Her heavenly friends develop spiritually in an in- hell, purgatory and heaven. After vi- never let her down; they not only de- visible way; yet, sometimes sions she begged for Divine Mercy fended her from demonic attacks but AGod lets a chosen soul see and hear twice as hard. When God appoint- also comforted her in hard times and His heavenly servants. Such a gift ed duties to angels and people, He reminded her about fulfilling her du- of familiarity with angels was given presents them with indispensable ties with love as well. Working in the to Saint Faustina Kowalska, a reli- graces needed to perform tasks. Saint Congregation in Cracow as a door gious mystic and a votarist of Divine Faustina had a mission of conveying keeper she felt frightened due to rev- Mercy. For 13 years spent in an order a message about Divine Mercy; the olutionary riots and hostile attitude of she was consolated and defended by Lord said to her: "I descended from the society towards the Church. In an- angels who became her best friends. heaven to earth for you (…), I spilt swer to her request for protection God Faustina’s confessor blessed father my blood for you, so people don’t be told her: "My daughter, the moment Michał Sopoćko wrote in his diary afraid to know Me" (Diary, 1275). you approached the gate I ordered my that she had devotion to the holy an- Angels taught her how to pray well cherub to guard it. So be calm, please" gels; she experienced the presence of and contemplate God; they never re- (Diary, 1271).Afer the conversation her guardian angel visibly. lieved her duties but they encouraged she saw an angel whom God prom- When reading her diary we can her to make efforts and fight for clear ised her. have an impression that Saint Faustina intentions of action. Despite of having so many heav- lead an easy life because she met Jesus, enly friends, Saint Faustina tried The Virgin Mary and angels mysti- to model her life on the life of The cally. However, Saint Faustina claimed Crucified Jesus. She used to say that that such conviction was deceitful as Angels she did not envy angels for they "only" she always realised her human misery. adored God whereas The Lord lived The saint fought with her weaknesses – friends on the in her heart as His blood circulated everyday; she hardly triumphed over in her veins via Holy Communion a defect of character when it turned way to heaven (Diary, 278.) She strongly believed out that it was replaced with ten more Saint Faustina had contact with that angels were people’s carers on flaws. Saint Faustina did not become St Michael The Archangel, a seraph their way to heaven. She also admired discouraged as she knew that her life and a cherub, a spirit called ‘one of the God for His Mercy thanks to which was not a time of peace but war. seven’, her guardian angel and guardian the First Parents "were not rejected Angels did not make deci- angels of other people and churches. In forever after the original sin like fall- sions for her; they appeared as her crucial moments of her life, she always en angels" (Diary, 1743).

28 | The Angels | No 1 | 2010 of a sinner were confirmed in Faustina’s life (Luke, 15,7.) One Thursday in the Saint Hour Sister Faustina felt unwell but she decided not to cut short her prayers; later on she was attacked by demons who were blasphemig and fright- ening her. Her guardian angel ap- peared immediately and said: Don’t be afraid, bride of my Lord, for they cannot do you any harm without His permission (Diary, 419.) Saint sister noticed that his look was modest and a ray of fire was spirting from his forehead. Her guardian angel was her guide in purgatory in one of her mystic visions, too. Saint Faustina saw a fogged place full of souls suf- fering in fire; they explained to her that the longing for God caused their pain (Diary, 20.) Sister Faustina contemplated the Holy Mass; she wrote that she was afraid of the day in which she could not take "Angelic Bread" (Diary, 1804.) When in hospital she was in- formed that Holy Communion would not be brought by a priest. She became sad but prepared spiritually for The Lord’s visit and her wish came true – Faustina also met her guardian for the next 13 days she took Jesus in angel, for instance in a train from Communion from the seraph’s hands: Angels – paragons Warsaw to Cracow (Diary, 490.) "He was wearing a white robe and Such "visits" made her faith more a transparent alb and a stole. A chal- of contemplation ardent; she performed her duties ice was made of crystal covered with in the kitchen, the baking room a transparent veil." (Diary, 1676) She of God and in the garden with heart full of heard an angelic song about her life in During everyday meditations God love. Angels essured her that God the day in which she could not attend shaped Saint Faustina’s soul and pre- really liked people’s work, joy and the Holy Mass (Diary 1202.) Saint pared her to fulfil His will. She often suffering (Diary, 1312.) Once her Faustina contemplated the Divine asked Him for the ability to under- angel guardian told her to pray for Mercy which helped her endure dif- stand Lord’s order in the material the dying; the other day, he asked ficulties in her life. She saw a blaze of and spiritual world, which let her her to pray for a particular person. glory in angels; she realized and then look for and love the Good. When in Next morning she found out that imitated both their humility and ado- conventual prayers she called angelic the person had died (Diary, 820.) ration of God. intercession in begging for zealous In that sense Jesus’ words about an- life and good death. gelic joy due to religious conversion Sister W. Siemienik ZMBM

The Angels | No 1 | 2010 | 29 ANGELIC CHOIRS How Catholics view the celestial hierarchy

were guardians of God’s glory. They Seraphim symbolized then, God’s power and These are the highest order or mobility. In the New Testament, they choir of angels. They are the angels are alluded to as celestial attendants who are attendants or guardians be- in the Apocalypse (Rv 4-6). Catholic fore God’s throne and contemplate tradition describes them as angels His goodness directly. They praise who have an intimate knowledge God, calling, “Holy, Holy, Holy is of God and continually praise Him. the Lord of Hosts”, the only Bible reference is Isaiah 6:1-7. One of them touched Isaiah’s lips with a live coal Thrones from the altar, cleansing him from Thrones are known as the chari- sin. Seraphim have six wings, two ots of God, charged with carrying cover their faces, two cover their feet, out God’s justice laws. Thrones are and two are for flying. They are re- the Angels of pure Humility, Peace ferred to as “the burning ones” be- and Submission with the power of cause they are aflame with the love judgment. They are sometimes called of God. chariots. Ezekiel describes them as re- sembling burning wheels with rimss “full of eyes round about”. Thrones re- Cherubim side in the area of the cosmos where Cherubim “fullness of knowl- material form begins to take shape. edge” are God’s record keepers The lower Choir of Angels need the and observers of the primal crea- Thrones to access God. tive power of God’s Glory. They rank after the seraphim and are the second highest in the nine hi- Dominions erarchies or choirs of angels. The Dominions are Angels of Old Testament does not reveal any Leadership. They regulate the activ- evidence that the Jews considered ities of all the other angels (except them as intercessors or helpers of those in the First Hierarchy) to assure God. They were closely linked in the carrying out of God’s will. They God’s glory. They are manlike in ap- are shown holding an orb or scepter pearance and double-winged and as a symbol of authority.

30 | The Angels | No 1 | 2010 God and humans due to sin, Christ’s Old Testament in the prophesies of Virtues ultimate rule over them (ibid) ex- Daniel, he announced the prophecy Virtues are known as the Spirits presses the reign of the Lord over all of 70 weeks (Dn 9:21-27). He ap- of Motion and control the elements in the cosmos. This is the Lordship peared to Zechariah to announce of nature. They are sometimes re- of Christ, which reveals God’s tre- the birth of St. John the Baptist (Lk ferred to as “the shining ones.” They mendous salvation in conquering 1:11). It was also Gabriel which pro- govern all nature. They have control sin and death at the cross, and now claimed the Annunciation of Mary over seasons, stars, moon; even the takes place in the Church (Eph 3:10). to be the mother of our Lord and sun is subject to their command. Saviour. (Lk 1:26) The angel Raphael They can draw on God’s force to first appeared in the book of Tobit work miracles on earth. They are Archangels (Tobias)Tb 3:25, 5:5-28, 6-12). He also in charge of miracles and pro- Archangels are generally taken to announces “I am the Angel Raphael, vide courage, grace, and valor. They mean “chief or leading angel” ( Jude one of the seven who stand before bestow encouragement and bless- 9; 1 Thes 4:16), they are the most the throne of God” (Tb 12:15). ings on the worthy. frequently mentioned throughout the Bible. They look after the larg- er affairs of mankind as they relate Angels Powers to God’s will. They are holy mes- These include guardian angels Powers are Warrior Angels who sengers of God, carrying impor- who are assigned by God to every preserve order against evil defending tant decrees to humans. They also human being at the moment of con- the cosmos and human souls. They command God’s armies and act as ception. Angels are closest to the ma- are known as potentates. They fight guardian angels to leaders of world terial world and human begins. They against evil spirits who attempt to movement. They may be of this or deliver the prayers to God and God’s wreak chaos through human beings. other hierarchies as St. Michael answers and other messages to hu- The chief is said to be either Samael Archangel, who is a princely Seraph. mans. Angels have the capacity to or Camael, both angels of darkness. The Archangels have a unique role access any and all other Angels at any as God’s messenger to the peo- time. They are the most caring and ple at critical times in history and social to assist those who ask for help. Principalities salvation (Tb 12:6, 15; Jn 5:4; Rv They are protectors of reli- 12:7-9) as in The Annunciation and Prepeared by Noreen Bavister gion, providing strength in times Apocalypse. A feast day celebrating of hardship. They also keep watch the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and over nations and their leaders. Raphael is celebrated throughout Angel of God, In the New Testament Principalities the Church Sep 29. A special part refers to one type of spiritual (meta- of the Byzantine Liturgy invokes the my guardian dear, physical) being which are now quite “Cherubic Hymn” which celebrates hostile to God and human beings. these archangels and the guardian To whom God's love (Rom 8:38; 1 Cor 15:24; Eph 1:21; angels particularly. Of special sig- 3:10; 6:12; Col 1:16; 2:10, 15) Along nificance is St. Michael as he has commits me here, with the principalities are the powers been invoked as patron and protec- (Rom 8:38; 1 Cor 15:24; Eph 1:21; 1 tor by the Church from the time of Ever this day, Pt 3:22; 2 Thes 1:7); and cosmological the Apostles. The Eastern Rite and powers (1 Cor 15:24; Eph 1:21; 3:10; many others place him over all the be at my side, Col 2:15); Dominions (Eph 1:21; Col angels, as Prince of the Seraphim. 1:16) and thrones (Col1:16). The He is described as the “chief of To light and guard, clarity of the New Testament wit- princes” and as the leader of the ness helps see that these beings were forces of heaven in their triumph Rule and guide. created through Christ and for Him over Satan and his followers. The (Col 1:16). Given their hostility to angel Gabriel first appeared in the Amen.

The Angels | No 1 | 2010 | 31 AngelS IN ART

Chaplet of St Michael

L. In the name of the Father, and of 6. By the intercession of St Michael the Son and of the Holy Spirit. and the celestial Choir of Virtues, A. Amen may the Lord preserve us from L. O God, come to my assistance evil and suffer us not to fall into A. O Lord, make haste to help me temptation. Amen. (1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary's) Glory be to the Father, etc.. 7. By the intercession of St Michael L. By the intercession of St Michael and the Celestial Choir of and the celestial Choir of Principalities, may God fill our Seraphim, may the Lord make souls with a true spirit of obedi- us worthy to burn with the fire ence. Amen. of perfect charity. Amen. (1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary's) (1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary's) 8. By the intercession of St Michael 2. By the intercession of St Michael and the celestial Choir of and the celestial Choir of Archangels, may the Lord give conductor, who shines with excel- Cherubim, may the Lord vouchsafe us perseverance in faith and in all lence and superhuman virtue, vouch- to grant us grace to leave the ways good works, in order that we gain safe to deliver us form evil, who turn of wickedness to run in the paths the glory of Paradise. Amen. to you with confidence, and enable us of Christian perfection. Amen. (1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary's) by your gracious protection to serve (1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary's) God more and more faithfully every 9. By the intercession of St Michael day. Amen 3. By the intercession of St Michael and the celestial Choir of Angels, and the celestial Choir of Thrones, may the Lord grant us to be pro- V. Pray for us 0 glorious St Michael, may the Lord infuse into our tected by them in this mortal life Prince of the Church of Jesus hearts a true and sincere spirit of and conducted hereafter to eter- Christ. humility. Amen. nal glory. Amen. A. That we may be made worthy of (1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary's) (1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary's) His promises.

4. By the intercession of St Michael 1 Our Father Almighty and everlasting God, who and the celestial Choir of in honour of St Michael by a prodigy of goodness and a mer- Dominions, may the Lord give 1 Our Father ciful desire for the salvation of all us grace to govern our senses in honour of St Gabriel men, has appointed the most glori- and subdue our unruly passions. 1 Our Father ous Archangel, St Michael, Prince Amen. in honour of St Raphael of the Church, make us worthy, we (1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary's) 1 Our Father beseech you, to be delivered from in honour of our Guardian Angel all our enemies that none of them 5. By the intercession of St Michael may harass us at the hour of our and the celestial Choir of Powers, O glorious prince, St Michael, chief death, but that we may be conducted may the Lord vouchsafe to protect and commander of the heavenly by him into the august presence of our souls against the snares and hosts, guardian of souls, vanquisher your Divine Majesty. This we beg temptations of the devil. Amen. of rebel spirits, servant in the house of through the merits of Jesus Christ, (1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary's) the Divine King, and our admirable our Lord. Amen.