A Catholic Magazine on the Holy Angels No 4 • 2010 £ 2,00 € 2,50 $ 5,00 ISSN 2081-5077

Joy of heavenly angels St defender of the unborn Th e angelic secret of John XXIII Guardian angels and St Josemaria Escriva St Faustina’s angelic encounters DEAR READERS TheAngels It is a pleasure to welcome you to the fourth quarterly Messengers from a Loving God edition of “The Angels” Messengers from a Loving A Catholic Quarterly Magazine on Holy Angels God magazine. Thank you for all your letters, emails Publisher: The Congregation and positive feedback, especially after the live show of Saint Michael the – Poland with Father Mitch Packwa on EWTN. I am glad to Chief Editor: Father Piotr Prusakiewicz (CSMA) hear that the magazine helps you keep in touch with Editorial Staff:Herbert Oleschko, Agnieszka Kosińska, the angels and live in the presence of God. Monika Chlebosz, Ewelina Szcześniak, Małgorzata Pytel, Dominika Kosk English translations: Agata Pawłowska, Isabel Brak, any of you ask, "Why are St. Michael, have to remain humble Agnieszka Santandreu, Joanna Jabłońska the angels so little hon- in submitting our wills to the will of Graphics & Layout: Jacek Kawa oured?" The answer is that God. That is why a real devotion to Website: www.kjb24.pl most people make very little effort to the Holy Angels consists in seeking M Editorial Office:The Angels Magazine increase their knowledge about the to imitate them. To imitate the angels ul. Piłsudskiego 248/252, 05-261 Marki. Poland angels even though they are aware of means: to walk in the presence of God Email: [email protected] their existence. in the semi-darkness of our faith; to Distribution coordinators: To honor and love them, we must do God’s will; to give thanks to God • In USA and Canada: first know them. We would be inflamed and to praise Him for his glory and Dede Laugesen with real love for them if we under- love; to hate sin; to sing to God in our The Angels Magazine stood their dignity; their close relation- hearts and with our voices; to adore PO Box 543. Monument, CO 80132, USA ship with God; their excellence and His Holy Name. Phone: +001 800 511 1514 Email: [email protected] power; and the affection and concern I kindly ask you to let others www.catholicangelsmagazine.com they have for us. The Church has al- know about our magazine and help • In Eire & Northern Ireland: ways practised and encouraged devo- us distribute it all over the world. The Peadar Moynihan tion to the Holy Angels. Although they CSMA and I pray for all the readers Oak Lodge. Thomastown. Duleek. Co Meath. Eire. are invisible, they accompany us all the and helpers Phone: 00353 41 982 5766 Email: [email protected] time. We need the angels because they I would be interested to hear are near to God. They model for us by letter or email any testimonies • In the rest of the world: how to grow closer and closer to God. on how the angels have helped Noreen Bavister and Alison Boyes P.O. Box 4332 These spiritual beings are also powerful you in your life. Please contact Harlington Dunstable Beds LU6 9DG. UK intercessors for our needs. the office or the coordinator’s Phone Noreen: +44 (0)779 531 8605 We turn to Saint Michael the whose details can be found on Phone Alison: +44 (0)780 137 2166 Archangel, because he fulfilled God's www.catholicangelsmagazine.com Email: [email protected] will faithfully. and www.kjb24.pl © 2010 CSMA Like the angels once were, we too All rights reserved Father CSMA are on trial. We, like the angels and Piotr Prusakiewicz ISSN 2081-5077 CONTENTS

3 Blessed Pope John XXIII's 12 St Michael the Archangel 23 The ‘Gloria’ and ‘Exultet’ secret of how to influence in defence of the unborn 25 St Michael the Archangel other people Testimony 14 Jacob’s fight with the Angel Holiness amidst the world 27 Mother Teresa’s quote 4 17 Encounters with the Angels Holy angels in my life 28 St Michael our greatest 5 19 Angels and the Eucharist protector Sacra di San Michele 6 20 Saint Faustina and humility 30 Meeting the angelic army St Michael in PNG 8 22 Pope John Paul II views on 31 Questions and answers 9 Angels our protectors the angels 32 of St Michael

2 | The Angels | No 4 | 2010 Angels in the lives of the saints Blessed Pope John XXIII's secret of how to influence other people Pope John XXIII is said to be one of the greatest advocates of angels and their presence in the faithful’s lives. Looking at pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square in , he used to think about the numerous heavenly hosts of Guardian Angels who assisted the crowds. From his early childhood the Pope prayed to his Guardian Angel five times a day and felt they were both in a heartfelt relationship with each other.

e strongly believed that our Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey: “If you heavenly advisers intercede are to negotiate with a person, who for us, help in our problems does not accept your arguments, ask Has well as protect us from perilous your Guardian Angels for help. If both situations. Moreover, the Pope admit- Guardian Angels agree with each other, ted that his guardian angel told him your conversation will appear easy. My to summon the Council. His advis- Guardian Angel reaches to my guests’ ers often heard him saying “My good minds and makes them friendly to- angel suggested me that...”, “My good wards me.” angel told me that...’’ or even “My Pope John XXIII’s encouragement good angel woke me up this morn- to honour our Guardian Angels is still ing.... ” Pope John XXIII also asked relevant today. Therefore, let’s often his guardian angel to help him say the say: “My Guardian Angel, take care breviary more carefully and piously. of my concentration today. Please, Pope John XXIII wrote, “Whenever take away forgetfulness, help me I am to visit some VIP to talk about the in discouragement, give me peace, Holy See’s issues, I ask my Guardian cheerfulness and mental discipline Angel to speak to the Guardian Angel (…). May angels get into each house of my guest so that the latter takes to announce our care of social agree- a positive attitude towards our con- ment, brotherly love and peace be- versation.” That secret was given tween nations. Amen.” to him by Pope Pius XI, when the would-be pope worked as a nuncio in Father Piotr Prusakiewicz CSMA

The Angels | No 4 | 2010 | 3 Angels in the lives of the saints Holiness amidst the world Don’t we greet and speak sincerely 1931, whilst walking in the street, he On a particular day and openly before all of those people saw three young people, one of whom when his watch stopped whom we love? Therefore we should jumped up at him, shouting – “I will he asked his Guardian do the same before Jesus, Mary and show you!” He raised his hands in Angel’s help and … it Joseph and our Guardian Angel and such a way that Father Escriva ex- started ticking again. do this many times. pected to receive a blow. But, one of From that moment he be- These beautiful words were said the only two other people present in gan to call his Guardian by the founder of Opus Dei, St the street at the time said in a mas- Angel – “watchmaker.” Josemaria Escriva, who was born on terful tone – “Don’t hit him.” Later There were many such 9 January 1902 in Barbastro (Spain). the first young man spoke, mocking small angelic interven- He acquired his ardent devotion to Father Escriva, calling him “Donkey! tions in the saint’s life. the Guardian Angels from his fam- Donkey!” This was a term by which ily. Here is one of the first prayers his the saint referred to himself only in Get used to recom- mother taught him: prayer and in confession. A close col- mending to each person league had said that Father Escriva that you meet that his / My Guardian Angel, attributed this attack to the action of her own Guardian Angel can help them sweet companion, the Devil and of his Guardian Angel’s be good, faithful and joyful so that at do not leave my side either defence of him. the favourable time they will be able to by night or day. accept the eternal embrace of the love of If you should leave me, Trust in your Guardian Angel. God the Father, God the Son and God where would I be? Treat him as your friend – which he the Holy Spirit and our Blessed Lady. My Guardian Angel, is – and he in turn will render you intercede for me before God thousands of services in your ordinary, During the Spanish Civil war, everyday affairs. when the Communists held power, The Work of God (Opus Dei in sudden raids on houses were often the original Latin), was founded by Saint Josemaria had an im- conducted in order to search out and Father Escriva as a result of Divine mense trust that his work would murder members of the clergy. On inspiration on the Feast of the Holy progress more swiftly through the one particular day, a police patrol Angels, 2 October 1928. Put simply, intervention of the angels. During arrived in a square and ordered the it provides a road to Christian perfec- a retreat in 1932 he wrote: “I called concierges of each building to open tion by means of three simple rules for the Holy , our Patrons, the doors so that they could con- growth in holiness. First, by means Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. duct house-to-house searches. The of one’s daily work. Second, by one’s I am so convinced that calling on concierge of the building in which own sanctification through work done three such significant persons in the saint was hiding, did not open well and third, by the sanctification of the Kingdom of Heaven must be the door and the police patrol sim- others resulting from our own honest pleasing to the Triune God (God ply passed on without demanding and diligent work. existing as three persons) and will entrance. An eye-witness testified Father Escriva experienced direct result in a hastening of the progress that this was yet another instance of angelic intervention during his life. In of the work.” angelic intervention.

4 | The Angels | No 4 | 2010 TESTIMONY Holy angels in my life was brought up in the Church of are ill and to be by our side when in England, consequently the only hospital and so much more. angels that I had heard about I never leave my house without Iwere the ones mentioned in the asking the holy angels to protect it Bible. I became a Roman Catholic whilst I am gone. Every morning at the age of 21 but, I am sad to say, I ask the holy angels to protect my angels were still not in my life. Over children, friends and family. If any of the next few years I did hear about them are going to have an operation a Guardian Angel and thought that I ask St. Raphael to care for them and was a good idea but I didn’t take the holy angels to protect them and this information very seriously guide the hands of the surgeons/doc- and certainly didn’t connect ‘hav- tors/ nurses etc. If I am going to meet ing a Guardian Angel’ as applying anyone new I ask the holy angels to to myself. This situation went on for go ahead of me to surround the per- „„St Josemaria Escriva more years than I care to mention. son so that we start on a friendly foot- Gradually I began to learn about ing. When any of my family are going angels, as if the Lord was opening for interviews or difficult meetings In situations that appeared en- my mind little by little to accept the I ask the holy angels to go ahead and tirely hopeless from a human point reality of angels. I read books about prepare the way. of view, the saint frequently relied on angels, went to a retreat given by The most awesome time for me angelic intervention and encouraged Fr. Peter Prusakiewicz about angels is when I am before the Blessed everyone to do the same. and talked to lots of people. Now, of Sacrament and realise that my course, I wonder how I ever man- Guardian Angel can see the Face of … our Guardian Angel continually aged to survive without them! They God and me at the same time. That accompanies us as an extraordinary are as much a part of my life as the is how close we are to the Almighty. witness. It will be he who will recall very air I breathe. all of our tenderness to the Lord at I read Janice Connell’s book R. Fenlon – Wales the time of judgement over the period ‘Angel Power’ and began to realise of our entire lifetime. Additionally, just how many angels we have wait- at times when we experience horrific ing to help us. There are far more condemnation from the evil one and angels than people and they are very feel entirely despairing, our angel will happy when we ask them for help. recall all our heart’s most deeply con- We have St. Michael and his host cealed impulses which we may have of angels to look after us and keep forgotten – these proofs of love given us safe. We have St. Gabriel and his to God the Father, God the Son and host of angels to take messages and God the Holy Spirit. greet people. We have St Raphael, the Lord’s Physician and his host Piotr Paweł Orłowski of angels to look after us when we

The Angels | No 4 | 2010 | 5 Angelic places Sacra di San Michele Sacra di San Michele is a Sanctuary situated in Italy. It is the third of the three most famous sanctuaries of St Michael the Archangel

he first, oldest and most famous a promontory of the Normandy coast by Pope Gregory XV; it remained place in the west honouring St in France, was consecrated to the abandoned till 1835. Antonio Michael the Archangel is the archangel. The sanctuary was called Rosmini was asked to restore it and Tsanctuary Monte Sant Angelo erected Mont Saint-Michel au péril de la mer reinstate a religious community at on Gargano in the 5th century. due to the phenomenon of high and the . The second is Mont Saint Michel low tides which made the place very The abbey, which for much of its his- in France. In 708 or 709 AD, dangerous. tory came under the Benedictine rule This article is about the third most is now entrusted to the Rosminions. famous abbey devoted to St Michael. The church, whose construction Sacra di San Michele is a religious took many years to complete, is char- complex on Mount Pirchiriano, situ- acterized by the unusual position of ated on the south side of the Susa the façade, which is at a lower level Valley in northern Italy. than the floor of the church’s interior. According to historical sources, Byzantine influences are recognizable in Roman times a military strong- in the niches, columns and arches. hold existed on the current location The 41m high façade gives access of the abbey. After the fall of Rome to the Scalone del Morti (“Stairway the built a fortress there of the Dead”), flanked by arches, against Frankish invasions. The ab- niches and tombs in which, until re- bey was established approximately cent times, skeletons of dead monks between 966-999AD. The building where visible (hence the name). At was constructed by the hermit St the top of the steps is the marble Giovanni Vincenzo, who was partic- Porta dello Zodiaco, a masterwork ularly devoted to St Michael. Having of 12th century sculpture. Access to collected the building materials he the church itself is by a Romanesque found that they were miraculously portal in grey and green stone, transported to the top of the moun- built in the early 11th century. The tain. St Giovanni realised that the church has a nave and two aisles archangel wanted him to build the and features elements from both the church on Mount Pirchiriano. The Gothic and Romanesque styles of other above-mentioned famous architecture. sanctuaries of St Michael are also The complex includes the ruins of built in inaccessible mountain tops the 12th to15th century monastery, and caves. The monastery fell into which had five floors. It ends with

Photo: Paolo Bellosio, Arch. Sacra di San Michele Padri Rosminiani. Sacra di San Michele Arch. Padri Bellosio, Paolo Photo: decline and was suppressed in 1622 the Torre della Bell’Alda (“Tower of

6 | The Angels | No 4 | 2010 Photo: Paolo Bellosio, Arch. Sacra di San Michele Padri Rosminiani. Sacra di San Michele Arch. Padri Bellosio, Paolo Photo: the Beautiful Alda”). The so-called when passing the Gate of Zodiac: It is difficult to say what particu- “Monks’ Sepulchre” is probably one leaves darkness and sins behind larly delights pilgrims. It could be the remains of a chapel reproduc- and enters into a new life transfused the centuries-old history, the ar- ing, in its octagonal plan, the Holy with Divine Light. The abbey with chitectural variety, the mystical at- Sepulchre of . Pilgrims are its architectural details, medieval mosphere or even the fascinating welcomed by a 520 cm-high figure sculptures, frescoes and paintings scenery. But there can be no doubt of St Michael, whose wings are 180 of the 16th century are suffused that the material and spiritual di- cm-long: “St Michael is seen defeat- with Christian spiritual richness. mension of the place is steeped in ing the evil one and my sculpture is Clemente Rebora, an Italian poet religious meaning. showing this to our world that does from the 18th century, wrote that the not care about peace. The sculpture Sacra had become a saint’s mountain itself consists of two parts: one of thanks to St Michael, the Right Hand Taken from: them is St Michael standing on the of God and Prince of the Heavenly • www.sacradisanmichele.com very rock the abbey was built on; Hosts. One of the chroniclers of the • Barbara Debernardi,“Il sentiero dei prin- in the other part there are wings 9th century wrote: “what we know cipi. Raggiungere la Sacra di San Michele of a beaten angel of evil staying in from many fragments of the Bible attraverso I boschi” (from: “Panorami. darkness at the foot of the rock. The is that St Michael not only leads the Vallata alpine”, 2000, n 1). archangel is Guardian of the Divine hosts in heaven but also intervenes • “La luce sorgente e simbolo della creazi- Kingdom, which opens symboli- in human issues on earth as well. one” (from: Tracce per un alfabeto medio- cally behind the figure’s back”, says He took a liking to three places: evale. Guida alla lettura di alcuni simboli Paul de Doss-Moroder, the sculp- Gargano Mountain, Mont Saint- nell’arte valsusina” (“Quaderni del Des tor.The Stairway of the Dead begins Michel and Sacra di San Michele, Ambrois”, 2004, n 2. in complete darkness but gradual- situated among mountain tops, • “Alla Sacra di San Michele” (from: “In cordata ly the stairs lead to a bright space. places ultimately suitable for the verso il cielo. Itenerari sacri in Valle di Susa”, The moment of transition occurs contemplation of God.” “Quaderni del Des Ambrois”, 2004, n 3).

The Angels | No 4 | 2010 | 7 INTERVIEW

StA conversation Michael with Michaelite Father Zdzisław Kruczek a missionary in in Papua PNG New Guinea about “baptising” old beliefs, the new enlistment of young Melanesian monks and a moving prayer to St Michael the Archangel.

For nearly 35 years, you have been Do the Papuans love their Patron a missionary in Papua New Guinea, and is reverence to him alive today? a country that chose St Michael the Archangel as patron. The feast of St Michael the Archangel is celebrated here. There Yes, it is an unusual story. are St Michael’s churches and chapels. Papua New Guinea (PNG) gained Pope Leo XIII’s prayer has already independence relatively recently in been translated into the local Tok Pisin 1975. Soon afterwards, the newly language. The combative character formed Conference of Catholic fits the valiant mentality of the local Bishops of PNG and the Solomon faithful. It is prayed at the end of Islands met to decide who should be in some parishes. the patron of this very young country. Papua New Guineans often com- The Port Moresby Archbishop pose texts themselves and sing them Herman ToPaivu suggested Saint in their language. In one of their Michael the Archangel. There were prayers they ask St Michael the two reasons. The first one, which Archangel to protect the faithful, as we could call theological-pastoral, he protected the first missionaries in relates to the deeply rooted belief of PNG. It reads as follows, Papua New Guineans in the souls of their ancestors and in real (not of this Saint Michael, I was recently at a meeting of earth) spirits that can be good or bad. Our country’s Patron PNG religious communities. A Polish St Michael the Archangel is considered and advocate before God, Pallottine Father asked for my help: to be a good spirit and this may help You protected the first missionaries “I work in a where one church to find a link connecting old beliefs Who left their homelands is dedicated to St Michael. His feast to Christianity. The intention was to And you brought them to us, is approaching. Do you have any “baptise” often superstitious beliefs. To share the Good News with us. materials?” I said that I did and I sent The second premise was historical. In We pray therefore to You, asking him the prayers, texts and the 1882 Missionaries of the Most Sacred That You protect our souls and bodies. to St Michael in Tok Pisin. This is how Heart of Jesus arrived from France Help us when the devil tempts us it spreads. You have to devote time to on the Melanesian island of Matupit. And sets traps for us. prepare and translate texts. It is a large The next day they climbed over a hill Protect the field of action for the Michaelites. to Nodup and there on September and make it a strong bedrock. It is true, and honestly speaking, 29th, on the feast day of St Michael, Help return to God those we do all we can. Currently we look celebrated the first Mass, thus initiating Who left and betrayed him. after three parishes and we manage the evangelisation of the territories Be with us on our way to heaven, a seminary. We cannot hide our joy that are now Papua New Guinea. These so that with all the angels and saints at the fact that in January 2011, if it is were convincing arguments, so in 1978 We may be able to worship God God’s will, the first Papua New Guinean Pope John Paul II agreed to the PNG For ever and ever. deacon - Peter Kaupa will be ordained bishops’ petition. Amen a Michaelite priest. The next ones are

8 | The Angels | No 4 | 2010 Angels in the Bible studying at the seminary, familiarising themselves with the charisma of blessed Fr. Bronislaw Markiewicz and enlisting under St Michael the Archangel’s banner. This responsibility will rest on their shoulders in the future. Angels our A priest I know told me that at the Port Moresby airport tourists are welcomed by an enormous sign: “Welcome to Paradise!” Is Papua protectors New Guinea really a paradise? Angels not only serve God, but they are also sent to serve The Papua New Guineans were people. God’s warriors are sent to rescue and save human life. overwhelmed by their new-found An angel stops Abraham from dealing a mortal blow to Isaac, freedom, they celebrated for a long saves Hagar and her son from dying in the desert, saves the time and the future looked good. lives of young men thrown into a fiery furnace, saves Daniel in But it did not take long for the the lion’s den, warns Joseph to go to Egypt, frees Peter from country to be afflicted by terrible his chains. We can imagine angels like commandos sent on corruption, stealing and tribal fights. a mission, to rescue man from oppression. You have to remember that in Papua New Guinea things often happen that make one’s blood curdle. Seeing his ven in the face of vigorous result she gave him Hagar her country’s slow descent towards evil, interference angels do not Egyptian servant as a concubine, Bernard M. Narokobi, a politician, retreat. So when Lot and his so he could have offspring with parliamentarian and sober Christian Efamily were too slow getting ready her. However, in jealousy, Sarah who died 18 months ago, composed to leave Sodom which was destined started to humiliate her slave. a prayer to St Michael, asking for safety to be destroyed by sulphur rain and Pregnant Hagar finally decided and peace in Papua New Guinea. fire, two angels took him, his wife to escape. That is when the He seeks through prayer, for better and two daughters by the hands – as first intervention of a heavenly understanding and in the knowledge God took pity on them – and they messenger took place. The Angel that human “wisdom” alone cannot help pulled them and walked them out of of God found Hagar by a stream the Papua New Guineans and instead the city (Gen 19,16). in the desert on the road to Shur should turn to the country’s patron. In The Old Testament shows in and told her: ‘Return to your one of the invocations he says: several instances where angels mistress and humbly accept her look after humans – rescuing them authority.’ Then the Unite our people from from dying of thirst, bringing food, announced: ‘I will multiply your mountain to mountain, healing them and saving those descendants so much that it will Shore to shore an isle to isle unjustly sentenced to death. not be possible to count them.’ This lovely, lily like land of ours When Sarah became pregnant So full of beauty and wealth and gave birth to Isaac, she started So threatened with blood and stealth feeling increased animosity Stand up St Michael, stand up! Rescue from towards Ishmael and ordered If this poignant call is answered, Abraham to expel him and his we will be closer to paradise. dying of thirst mother. While the banished We know well the story of the woman was wandering in the This is our wish too and many angel who appeared to Hagar and Negev desert, she was left without thanks for the conversation. her son Ishmael, dying of thirst in water near Beersheba and left the desert (Gen 21, 19). Ishmael under a bush. She again Interviewed by: Abraham’s wife Sarah thought met the God’s Angel, who said to Ewelina Faszczewska that she was infertile and as her: ‘Do not fear, for God heard the

The Angels | No 4 | 2010 | 9 Angels in the Bible moans of the boy lying there. Get up, grinders or crushed in a mortar, pick up the boy and take him by the cooked or baked. This simple food hand, for I will make him into a great was a special sign for the Israelites Rescue for nation.’ Then God opened her eyes that the Lord was guiding them on and she saw a well with water; she their travels through the desert. those entenced went and filled a (goatskin) flask with Here God himself helps his people, water and gave it to the boy to drink. so “common manna” attains the to death God protected the boy as he grew up. name “bread from heaven” (compare Daniel was one of the Old He lived in the desert and became an Ex 16,4, Ps 77,24) and “bread of Testament’s significant prophets. archer. He lived in the Paran desert strong men” which in Septuagint’s He belonged to the first group of and his mother got him a wife from translation is called “angel’s bread” Jewish exiles seized by Babylon the land of Egypt. (Ps 77,25; Ws 16,20). during King Joachim’s reign. His life Hagar was only a slave forced Food provision is not always and works as an outstanding leader to have intercourse with Abraham. linked to extreme situations such and prophet span all the period of She gave Abraham a son Ishmael, as starvation. Sometimes it is help Babylonian captivity, a full seventy but Isaac, Sarah’s son was Abraham’s provided in difficult circumstances. years (from approximately 606 BC promised son and heir. Although Thus an angel heartens the Prophet to the beginning of the reign of the God chose Isaac, he also looked after Elijah who in desperation lay under Persian King Cyrus, approximately Ishmael and his mother and what is a juniper, was totally discouraged, 536 BC). Daniel was captured as more, gave birth to a great nation. falling into apathy. Today we would a young teenager. Later we see him say that he was deeply depressed. as an experienced, older man of He lay down and fell asleep. And an God who carries out a key function angel, nudging him, said: ‘Get up at the court of his oriental rulers. Food provided and eat.’ Elijah saw a pancake and The King of Babylon made Daniel a jar of water. So getting up, he ate a high level minister, who thanks by angels and drank and lay down again. God’s to his wisdom and justice was the We also read in the Bible about Angel returned for a second time and most respected minister in the events when angels provided people nudging him said: ‘Get up and eat, for country. Other ministers, however, with food, often rescuing them from you have a long journey ahead of you!’ denounced Daniel for breaking royal death by starvation. For example, an Then, getting up, he ate and drank. law by praying to the only God of angel took the prophet Habakkuk as Next, nourished by this food he walked the Israelites, a crime punished he was preparing food for harvesters forty days and forty nights to God’s with death. King Darius ordered and in one instant transferred him mountain (Kings 19, 4-8). The angel Daniel to be thrown into a den full from Judea to Babylon, to the edge rouses Elijah from his depression, of hungry lions. Surprisingly enough, of the lion pit where another prophet sending him on a journey and the lions did not harm Daniel at all. was imprisoned and he said: ‘Daniel, offering him food. Elijah obediently All night they were gentle and docile Daniel! Take the food that God sends receives the food and this is a presage like lambs. Daniel explained to the you!’ (Dn 14,37). of a different food, which in Jesus’ king why this happened: ‘My God Angels provided manna to time will be named openly. Here it is sent his angel and he closed the lion’s the Hebrews during their 40-year the food of angels literally speaking mouths: they did not harm me, as He journey to the land of Canaan (Ex and Jesus will say about this food: acknowledged that I was innocent.’ 16): every morning except on the ‘Your forefathers ate manna in the (Dn 6,23). Sabbath when there was double the desert and they died. Who eats this A dozen or so years earlier, amount that they would gather each bread will live forever.’ This food was angels displayed even more day (Ex 16.5). The Bible adds that it life-giving for Elijah and literally also spectacular power over the forces was grainy and delicate like frost, it a pilgrim’s food. Elijah experiences of nature when they protected from looked like coriander seeds, white or in the desert the power of this food certain death three Jewish youths, yellowish and tasted like pancakes - a presage of the food of the New whom King Nebuchadnezzar with honey: it was ground in manual Covenant. ordered to be thrown into a hot

10 | The Angels | No 4 | 2010 oven because they refused to bow youths unanimously adored God – by warm faeces from a swallow’s to a golden statue. Shadrach, in a hymn which the Church has nest. We also hear this same Raphael Meshach and Abed-Nego (young introduced into its liturgy. when he provides marriage guidance Daniel’s friends) were tied by their to young Tobias and when he reminds torturers with their own clothes him that gratitude towards God is and thrown into a hot oven that more important than all his human had been heated seven times hotter An angel obligations and feelings (Tb 12, than usual. The three youths, who 17.80.20). trusted God completely, walked who heals The abovementioned incidences among the flames untouched by ‘Father, how much should I give of angelic interference were them, while the king’s servants him?’ – young Tobias asks his father spectacular and exceptional. We continuously heated the oven after his return from Media. ‘I will need to remember, however, the with kerosene, tar, oakum and not be disadvantaged if I give him more discrete protection of angels brushwood. Flames rose forty nine half of my possessions that he brought that we experience every day. The Church teaches that each one of us has an invisible guardian, who protects our soul and body. Psalm 91 depicts the angels’ role with regards to men saying: Because he ordered his angels to protect you on all your paths. They will carry you in their arms so that you do not hurt your foot against a stone. You will be able to step on snakes and vipers, and you will be able to trample a lion and a dragon (Ps 91, 11-12). According to St. Robert Bellarmino, Doctor of the Church, these words should be interpreted both literally and metaphorically. Angels protect people from physical dangers and look after their spiritual needs. The Bible certifies that angels are interested in all people’s concerns and in all that relates to man’s journey to the eternal homeland. Somebody once wrote that the words of the Roman poet Terentius feet above the oven and burnt those with me. He has delivered me in good could be applied to angels and even Chaldeans beside it: But the Angel of health, he liberated my wife and be fulfilled:We are men’s friends and the Lord descended to the oven with brought money with me and healed nothing that is human is indifferent to Azariah and his companions and you. So what should I give him as us! The liberation of nature’s forces, removed the flames from the oven, payment?’ (Tb 12,2-3). animal attacks, people’s passions, bringing a refreshing breeze to its Young Tobias’ words depict vividly intrigues, conspiracies, wars, all centre, so that the fire did not touch all the material and spiritual blessings can be the object of decisive angels’ them at all and did not cause pain received from the Archangel Raphael. interference, if the fate of God’s or harm (Dn 3,49-50). Overjoyed In the Book of Tobias we see Raphael friends is at stake. by God’s miraculous help through as a young travel companion who heals the mediation of an angel, the old Tobias’ eyes, hurt in an accident Roman Zając

The Angels | No 4 | 2010 | 11 Spiritual warfare St Michael the Archangel in defence of the unborn he coming of Jesus, the Son of in this little one was hidden redemp- is called the prince of dark- God in the person of a small tion for all mankind and for all time. ness, sunk in a limitless abyss of sad- child brought joy to the world. Would they who preferred the deeds ness and each collaboration with TThe first to experience this, despite of darkness be able to agree so easily him brings with it some form of her initial trepidation, was Mother for that light to be able to shine with death. It is even hard to imagine the Mary. “My soul exults…” – she said its full strength? extent of this terrible rage at the very to her kinswoman. And Elizabeth, Further, the coming of Jesus, the thought of the Incarnation of the a woman with experience of life’s tri- Son of God, in the person of a small Son of God. He let loose a whole ma- als, had already been aware of some- child was a of life. It was chinery of evil, starting with the in- thing as “the child in her womb had revealed and gave power to those difference of inhabitants of the small leapt with joy” - he being the future who trust it, to accept anew the gift town known by the lovely name of prophet by the Jordan. This joyful at- of God as a child. That the shepherds the House of Bread (Bethlehem) mosphere pervaded the hearts of the glorified and praised God for all they and ending with the bloody rage of relatives and friends gathered around had heard and seen is the first sign Herod which gave rise to the murder the cradle of the one who was to pro- of a new and different experience of innocent children. And all this in claim the Lord’s coming, which was of life. In T.S. Eliot’s famous poem order to swallow up joy, extinguish to explore with extraordinary power ‘Journey of the Magi’ about the wan- light and destroy life. in the angels’ message addressed to derings of the wise men from the east Escaping under cover of dark- the shepherds: “I bring you tidings of who wished to worship the new born ness, exiles in a strange country, liv- great joy!” Would they whose hearts King, it says that they are entirely ing among strangers demanded great were then burdened with the sadness exhausted, recalling the palaces and courage but no price was too great in of sin and evil deeds be that night women they left behind, but would order to save life. able to remain indifferent? be prepared to endure the same hard- Also, the coming of Jesus, the Son ship again. Why? Because they had of God in the person of a small child found a new reason for living. How filled the world with light. For “the could they who did not believe that God looks with people that walked in darkness had “He is the life” and refused the Holy seen a great light.” It is interesting Family shelter in their homes, remain the eyes of a child that Simeon understood this truth unmoved by the transforming joy I once saw a card with a picture most clearly by some inner expressed by the witnesses of Christ’s of a small child with the inscription: borne of faith. An understanding that birth? “God looks with the eyes of a child.”

12 | The Angels | No 4 | 2010 ran out of the house in her dressing We notice an increasing number gown. She changed trams, running of parishes and individuals who turn blindly until eventually catching to the prayer to Saint Michael at the up with Oksana on the staircase to end of Mass, despite the fact that her flat and begging “Don’t do it! since 1956 it has become optional. I had a terrible dream; a child’s own Pope John Paul II in 1994 person- mother wants to kill it. Don’t go to ally encouraged the faithful to recite the hospital, please …” a tearful this prayer, in order to “obtain as- Oksana replied “I won’t go.” Today sistance in the battle with the power this child, now growing up, is her of darkness and against the spirit of greatest joy. this world.” To stand on the side of life in The Human Life International order to actively defend it requires organisation is convinced that both great courage and determi- invoking the intercession of St nation. Formed in 1981, Human Michael the Archangel is essential Life International, now the largest for the Church to attain the vic- pro-life organisation in the world, tory over the attacks of Satan which uniting defenders of life, faith and are so characteristic of the modern Maybe God the Father sees His Son the family, has most recently tak- world directed against innocent hu- in each of these innocent children? en up an international campaign man life. That is why I ask you to After all, children bring joy and re- of prayer through the intercession join us in saying this prayer to St newed energy and light into our lives. of St Michael the Archangel to res- Michael the Archangel for respect This should not surprise us, but on cue the lives of children from the for human life from conception to the other hand should not lead us point of conception and also to natural death as well as for the con- into a false sense of security, aware convert those who carry out and version of abortionists. that Satan is the sworn enemy of eve- who support abortions. Fr Thomas Lastly, Fr Thomas J. Euteneuer ad- ry life from its very conception. He J. Euteneuer, the president of Human dresses a plea for signatures to a peti- will do anything to annihilate it. He Life International wrote a letter, say- tion asking for a return of the prayer sets whole organisations in motion, ing: “Catholics who wish to act in to St Michael at the end of Mass to clouds our vision, turns our think- defence of life, will naturally turn be reinstated as a general practice in ing upside down and employs new to St Michael the Archangel, prince the Church. With the Holy Father’s collaborators. Those who undertake of the heavenly armies, in the battle consent this would allow Catholics the battle to defend life must have against the powers of the culture of throughout the world to unite in great courage. death. Pope Leo XIII wrote a won- a powerful prayer for victory over I know one woman who, when derful prayer to St Michael and rec- the greatest evils of our time, the she realised that her daughter in- ommended that it be said after Holy slaughter of almost two billion in- tended to abort her child, went into Mass. Pope Pius XI asked the faith- nocent children, whose blood calls her daughter’s room, knelt down ful to recite the prayer for a return out to heaven. and said “If you go to the hospi- of religious freedom in the Soviet “The battle against the culture of tal I will not get up off my knees Union, which was generally united death is above all a spiritual battle” until I die.” The young girl gave with Our Lady of Fatima’s plea for stresses Fr Euteneuer and “Human birth to a son who is now finish- the conversion of Russia, whose ‘er- Life International believes that, with ing his music studies. A few years rors’ were spreading throughout the the help of St Michael it will be pos- ago the magazine ‘Fronda’ pub- world. As the Soviet Union was the sible to convert abortionists of the lished the moving testimony of first country to legalise the killing of whole world and direct them to end a woman from Zytobierz, who, so unborn children it is easy to recog- their cooperation with evil.” upset by the news that her sister- nise the continuation of the errors in-law was going to hospital the of atheist communism in the present next morning to have an abortion, day abortion industry.” Father Krzysztof Poświata CSMA

The Angels | No 4 | 2010 | 13 The Bible Scholar answers your questions Jacob’s fight with the Angel I have five questions about the fought with Jacob: a dark, enemy force that literal interpretation is set aside to part in the Old Testament where who fought against Jacob and God’s seek a deeper meaning. Some people Jacob fights with an angel. Why power – helping Jacob. regard Jacob’s night-time mysterious did the angel “attack” Jacob and When we follow the narration, occurrence as a mystical experience. fight with him? What was the fight however, there is no doubt that Jacob They believe that Jacob prayed for? Why was the angel not able to interprets his experience at the River intensely, as if “opposing God”, and overcome a man in a fight? How is Jabbok as a meeting with God. This this caused – as it happens to mystics it possible that a man forced him is supported by the following words: – physical bodily changes, in this case to give his blessing? Are Angels he named the place Penuel, saying: a limp. This is the interpretation of the more powerful than men? ‘Although I saw God face to face, I saved Catechism of the Catholic Church. my life’ (Gen 32,31). The term Elohim Before Jacob faces his brother Esau, A. R. – Poland is used here, which in the Bible refers he fights all night with “somebody” to God and His messengers. The mysterious who does not want to give n the Book of Genesis (32, 25-31) Patriarch thinks that he fought with his name but blesses him before leaving we read that at the River Jabbok God, but he could just as well have at dawn. The spiritual tradition of the Jacob was attacked by a mysteri- fought with another being from the Church saw in this description a symbol Ious being resembling a human who Lord’s circle. This is how the prophet of prayer as a battle of faith and the fought with him all night until sun- Hosea understood it, writing about victory of perseverance. rise. Initially the identity of this being Jacob: at the peak of his strength, he is a mystery. Somebody fights with even fought with God. Fighting with Jacob who does not want to give his an angel, he won, cried and begged for name and who is not human. Some his mercy – he met him in Betel and Meeting oneself commentators postulated an incor- there spoke with Him (Hos 12, 4-5). Other commentators focus on rect hypothesis trying to prove that Therefore this episode is widely called psychological analysis. According to Jacob fought with Satan or stating Jacob’s fight with the Angel. This is the advocates of this approach the that the basis for this story should totally in accordance with biblical narrator wanted to show the main be sought in a local legend about thinking. A fight with a spirit sent by hero’s internal battle with himself and a demon who lives in the river and God is in fact a fight with God himself. with his – not always positive – past. who demanded payment from those We are dealing here with a certain Jacob had to face the dark side of his wanting to cross to the opposite bank. exchange, so characteristic of texts nature before he met his brother for According to the rabbinic explanation where a figure described as the Angel the second time. Psychologists also of Ham bar Hanin, Jacob’s opponent of God appears. interpret Jacob’s adventure as a fight on the Jabbok River was Esau’s per- with a figure of Esau that in his psyche sonal Advocate and Guardian Angel, had grown to gigantic proportions. whom God allowed to attack Jacob To improve our understanding, and hurt him in revenge for the evil Mystical night let us look at the context of this story. that he had inflicted on his brother Jacob’s fight with a supernatural Let us remember the life events of the (Genesis Rabba 77,3). Origen how- being described in the Book of Patriarch Jacob, son of Isaac. After ever believed that two spiritual beings Genesis is an event so mysterious twenty years spent in Padan Aram

14 | The Angels | No 4 | 2010 in spite of his attempts at placating his brother, Esau is approaching with 400 armed men. Then the patriarch divides his camp into two, probably thinking that if Esau defeats one, the other one might survive. God “summons to a duel” He has a lot to lose: his children, wives, material goods. It would seem that he has lost faith in his protective angels, whom he saw so recently. On the last night before the meeting with his brother, Jacob decides to cross the River Jabbok, taking the proverbial step backwards, as if wanting to escape from Esau to the other side. And just then someone attacks him unexpectedly and the struggle lasts till sunrise. His opponent seeing that he cannot defeat him, touched his hip joint and dislocated it while fighting with him. Finally he said: ‘Let go, as dawn is coming!’ Jacob responded: ‘I will not let go until you bless me!’ (Gen 32, 25-27). Since Jacob realises that he is Jacob travels with two wives, two angels.’ The meeting with the angels is dealing with someone unusual, concubines, eleven male descendants, mentioned laconically and almost in he makes a condition: a blessing, an unknown number of daughters, passing. Next we read that Jacob sends that is a strengthening of his life slaves, goats, sheep, camels and his envoys to Esau, whose land he possibilities, the provision of strength donkeys to his native land which he wishes to enter. He also tries to soothe that might ensure his survival at the left as an escapee and as an exile. At his brother’s anger by sending presents approaching meeting with Esau. its boundary he is welcomed by God’s (33, 13-20). He is afraid of his anger, angels. Earlier, at the start of his exile because during twenty years in exile he when he travelled in the opposite lived in the shadow of his deception. direction (to Charan) he dreamt about Jacob, persuaded by his mother ...and saves angels on a ladder ascending and Rebecca, deceived his father Isaac Did the angel representing God descending. Now when he greets his into giving him the blessing destined “lose”? This seems to be apparent land, God’s messengers appear again. for the firstborn son Esau. It is not from the text, which suggests that The first time Jacob saw the angels in surprising that Esau hated his brother he “could not overcome” Jacob and a dream. This time he sees them while (Gen 27,41) and Jacob had to escape was forced to give his blessing. The totally conscious. He calls the meeting (Gen 27,42). After he escaped from his thing is that Jacob had the blessing place with the angels “Manachim” brother, he was alone. Now he returns from the beginning, only he did not which means “two camps.” The first as a married man and a father. But his realise it (it was hidden from him, is Jacob’s camp, the second one – the worst fears come true – he learns that so he fought desperately). Jacob

The Angels | No 4 | 2010 | 15 The Bible Scholar answers your questions won, because God allowed him to Jacob receives a new name (and win. His plea for mercy, protection this symbolises a new life): Israel, he and forgiveness was answered. He who fought but was not defeated. The admittedly was the winner (or rather meaning of the name Israel is based on he survived the struggle), but he wordplay, joining the verb srh (to fight) does not seem to deserve the credit with the word ‘el (God). According to for it. His delivery is not due to his the narrator the name would indicate own efforts (like crossing the river at the one who fought with God. night or sending presents to Esau), This is the popular, but not correct but rather due to his meeting with etymology of the expression Israel. The God and God’s promise to him. By explanation of verse 29b completes the winning, he became a new man. He meaning of this name: Jacob as Israel was no longer Jacob who deceived not only fought with God, but also with to obtain the blessing, but somebody men and he persevered in this fight strong, chosen to be God’s prince. and won. As the story does not refer to any fight with other men, then surely – as the direct context shows – these words refer to Esau. Therefore it not New name only confers a new name on Jacob, The most important message but also the promise – Israel both in from what happened during Jacob’s a fight with God and with men will night-time fight is not only his be victorious. contradictory win (or rather survival in spite of the unusual closeness to God), but rather God showing him ur worship and adoration a new mission, symbolised by the Victorious must be reserved for God change in his name: ‘From now on, weakness alone but we can vener- you will not be called Jacob, but Israel, Oate the angels and saints. Angels because you fought with God and with The existence of the chosen nation don’t draw attention to them- men and you won.’ Then Jacob said: is at stake in Jacob’s struggles and selves. They are invisible and want ‘Tell me please, what is your name?’ his night-time fight is the test of the to draw our attention to Jesus. But he said: ‘Why do you ask me for forefather’s strength and thus an They say compliments to God in my name?’ – and he blessed him in announcement of all of Israel’s fate. their names: Saint Michael means that place (Gen 32, 29-30). However, victory and the blessing “Who is like God”, Saint Raphael In the Bible (and in the Middle were linked to Jacob being rendered signifies “God heals”, Saint Gabriel East) the only person entitled to give physically disabled. As a result of means “strength of God.” Always or change someone’s name was the this fight he became from a human God. God is in the centre. ruler (parents also named their child). perspective a person with a disability. There are over seventy places It was bestowed by somebody who Only then (by the power of God and in the Diary of Saint Faustina occupied a higher position in the His blessing), he was able to face the where the angels are mentioned. community – to someone who was his problem with which he struggled She was aware of the presence of subordinate (starting in Gen 2, 20). and from which he escaped during the angels and thankful to God God takes Jacob’s old name, which all his life – his twin brother Esau. for them. labelled the person who dishonestly Only after this struggle, broken in his She wrote in the Diary: In and by trickery obtained a blessing human strength, supported only by my communing with the angels belonging to someone else, and with God’s blessing, was he able to meet I thanked God for His goodness, his name he takes away his past, and make peace with his brother. that He gives us angels for com- as it were granting the patriarch panions. Oh, how little people re- a “pardon” for the sins of his youth. Roman Zając flect on the fact that they always

16 | The Angels | No 4 | 2010 Angels and the Encounters with the Angels have beside them If the angels were capable of envy, The angel gave her Holy such a guest and at they would envy us two things: one is Communion but he didn’t hear her the same time a wit- receiving Holy Communion and the confession: ness to everything other is suffering (1804). Once, when a certain doubt rose (Diary 1200). As a religious sister she would within me shortly before the Holy She kept in mind go daily to church for the Mass and Communion, I said to the Seraph: that the angels stand Holy Communion. But during her ‘Could you perhaps hear my confes- in front of God and stay in the hospital in Cracow in sion?’ And he answered me ‘No spirit praise Him. That is 1936, she became weak and wasn’t in heaven has that power’ (1677). why she added her able to go to the chapel. And what We all know very well that only the prayer to the prayer happened? The angel brought her priests have such a power. of the angels, es- Holy Communion: pecially the prayer In the evening, the sisters who of praise. O eternal were to look after me came and said God with the angels I sing to You: ‘Tomorrow you will not receive the What do the Holy. I live for your glory alone Lord, because you are very tired.’ (1231). I offer you O Lord all the Faustina wrote: This hurt me very angels look like? adoration and thanksgiving of the much but I said with great calm- Saint Faustina had a very in- saints and of all the choirs of angels ness, ‘Very well’, and resigning my- timate relationship with her and I unite myself in a special way self totally to the will of the Lord. In Guardian Angel. She saw him at with your Mother (220). the morning I made my meditation her side in many circumstances of To follow the example of Saint and prepared for Holy Communion her life. She saw him praying and Faustina we should ask the angels even though I was not to receive contemplating. to support us in our prayer. We of- the Lord Jesus. When my love and When we took our seats on the ten feel distracted in the morning, in desire had reached a high degree, train from Warsaw to Cracow, once the evening or before the Holy Mass. I saw at my bedside a Seraph who again I saw my Guardian Angel at That is why we may ask them for their gave me Holy Communion, say- my side. He was absorbed in prayer help in our prayer. They will be with ing these words ‘Behold the Lord and in contemplating God and I fol- us, help us to concentrate and they of Angels.’ This was repeated for lowed him with my thoughts. The will carry our prayers to God. thirteen days. The Seraph was sur- next morning I saw my Guardian rounded by a great light, the divin- Angel, who accompanied me through- ity and love of God being reflected out the journey as far as Warsaw. in him. He wore a golden robe and He disappeared when we entered the The Angels over it, a transparent surplice and convent gate (490). a transparent stole. The chalice was She described the differences be- and the Eucharist crystal, covered with a transparent tween the angels whom she saw: Saint Faustina wrote in the Diary veil. As soon as he gave me the Lord, Then I saw one of the seven spirits a beautiful sentence about the angels he disappeared (1676). near me, radiant as at other times, and the Eucharist: under a form of light. I constantly saw

The Angels | No 4 | 2010 | 17 Angels and the Divine Mercy him beside me when I was riding on until five. At five I heard the words him the highest place amongst the the train. I saw an angel standing ‘Thank you’ and I understood that she angels. She refers to him as “Prince on every church we passed, but sur- had died (314). of the heavenly hosts.” He is con- rounded by a light which was paler sidered to be the Guardian Angel of than that of the spirit accompanying Jesus Christ. Saint Michael was the me on the journey, and each of these protector and defender of God’s cho- spirits who were guarding the churches Her Guardian Angel sen people. Now he is the defender bowed his head to the spirit who was of the Church. near me (630). as a defender We know from the Diary that Saint Faustina wrote about her ex- Saint Michael was the defender of periences when the angels defended Saint Sister Faustina. She described her during the Devil’s attacks: her experience in the following words: Angels ask I fell asleep as soon as I lay down, On the feast of Saint Michael the but at about eleven o’clock Satan shook Archangel, I saw by my side that for prayer my bed. I awoke instantly and I started great Leader, who spoke these words There are some places in the Diary to pray peacefully to my Guardian to me: ‘The Lord has ordered me to where Saint Faustina’s Guardian Angel. (...) I kept praying the take special care of you. Know that Angel asked her for prayer, especially all the while and toward dawn these you are hated by evil; but do not for the dying. beings vanished and I was able to get fear –Who is like God.’ And he dis- My Guardian Angel told me to pray some sleep. When I entered the chapel appeared. But I feel his presence and for a certain soul and in the morn- in the morning I heard a voice in my assistance (706). ing I learned that it was a man whose soul. ‘You are united to Me, fear noth- In another moment of her life she agony had begun that very moment. ing. But know, my child, that Satan confessed: I have great reverence for The Lord Jesus makes it known to me hates you, he hates every soul, but he Saint Michael the Archangel, he had in a special way when someone is in burns with a particular hatred for you no example to follow in doing the will need of my prayer. I especially know because you have snatched so many of God, and yet he fulfilled God’s will when my prayer is needed by a dying souls from his dominion’ (412). faithfully (667). soul. This happens more often now than Seeing their great hatred for me, I im- it did in the past (820). mediately asked my Guardian Angel for When I went to the garden one af- help, and at once the bright and radiant ternoon, my Guardian Angel said to figure of my Guardian Angel appeared Do we need visions me ‘Pray for the dying’ and so I began and said to me: ‘Do not fear, spouse of at once to pray the rosary with the gar- my Lord, without His permission these of the angels? deners for the dying. After the rosary, spirits will do you no harm.’ Immediately Saint Faustina had visions and we said various prayers for the dying. the evil spirits vanished and the faith- apparitions of the angels. But we After the prayers, the workers began ful Guardian Angel accompanied me, should not seek visions or appear- to chat among themselves. In spite of in a visible manner, right to the very ances of angels. If someone sees an- the noise they were making themselves, house. His look was modest and peace- gels, it does not mean that he has I heard these words in my soul: ‘Pray for ful and a flame of fire sparkled from his more faith than we do. If, for some me’ but as I could not understand these forehead (419). reason, God wants you to see an an- words very well, I moved a few steps gel or a vision, then you will. It is not away from the wards, trying to think something we should worry about. who it could be who was asking me to It will happen if it is meant to. In pray for them. Then I heard the words: Saint Michael fact seeking after visions can open ‘I am Sister...’ This sister was in Warsaw up a person to the power of Satan while I was, at the time, in Vilnus. ‘Pray and Saint Faustina because he can imitate visions and for me until I tell you to stop, I am dying.’ The most brilliant of the an- give false . Immediately, I began to pray fervently gels mentioned in the Bible is St. for her. I kept praying from three o’clock Michael. The Holy Church gives to Father Piotr Prusakiewicz CSMA

18 | The Angels | No 4 | 2010 THE SACRAMENTS Angels and the Eucharist ne important mystical aspect revealed Himself for the benefit of Turning towards the people i.e. of the angels is their attitude His earthly believers (Hoc est enim the saints, we should stress, that in- towards the Eucharist. The an- Corpus Meum, quod pro vobis tra- stances do actually occur, of angels Ogelic hosts come to the world in order to detur – Hic est enim Calix Sanguinis bringing human beings the Holy honour Christ in the Blessed Eucharist. Mei Novi et Aeterni Testamenti, qui Eucharist, such as in the instance of They come to honour Christ, who in pro vobis et pro multis efundetur). St Gerard Majella. accordance with the promise he gave After all, even the canon of the Mass One day when the young Gerard his disciples: know that I am with you stresses this unity of Heaven and Earth was praying before a statue of the always; yes, to the end of time (Matthew during the Mass thanks to the angels, Madonna and Child, the Child handed 28:20) – descends during the sacri- evident from the words: “All powerful Gerard a piece of beautiful white bread. fice of the Mass and is present in the and ever living God, we humbly ask The boy could not contain his joy but Eucharist in the form of bread and wine you to command your holy angel to treated this vision as an encouragement by means of transubstantiation. The take this offering to your altar in heaven to receive the Holy Eucharist. He hur- bread and wine retain their outward for as we receive it from this altar may ried to church, where, during Mass he form, although their substance (in other it become for us the Body and Blood went to the altar together with the rest words that of which they are actually of Our Lord Jesus Christ and grant us of the faithful to receive Communion. formed) becomes changed, becoming light, happiness and peace” (Supplices The priest thinking that Gerard was Christ in substance, thus making pos- to rogamus, omnipotens Deus : jube still too young to receive Communion sible his Real Presence among all the haec preferii per manus sancti Angeli missed him out. Gerard was very upset. faithful on earth. And, although this Act tui in sublime altare tuum, in conspectu However, on that same night, while makes a demand of faith of us (that is, divinae maiestatis tuae;ut, quotquot ex he prayed in his room God fulfilled to believe in the Real Presence of Jesus hac altaris participatione sacrosanctum the request of his young fervent heart, Christ in the Blessed Sacrament), the Filii tui Corpus et Sanguinem sump- granting the grace promised in the ear- angels and saints possess an ability to serimus, omni benedictione caelesti et lier otherworldly vision. St Michael the detect the Real Presence hidden in these gratia repleamur). Archangel came in person with the outward forms. St Thomas of Aguin explains that Blessed Sacrament and gave Gerard The Eucharist is also known as the priest is not asking for the sacra- communion, giving rise to an unspeak- “the bread of angels.” Not in the sense mental form to be taken up to heaven. able joy for the boy, a great veneration that angels consume it, angels having But makes this request for the mystical for the Eucharistic Jesus and gratitude no digestive systems, instead being of body (i.e. the Church) pointing to the to St Michael. pure intellect, moved by Light. fact that in order for the Angel to as- Taking account of all of this we Their spiritual nature however sist in God’s Holy Mysteries on earth should remember that in the adoration permits them to recognise the Real in the Sacrament he has presented of the Blessed Sacrament during Holy Presence of Christ, which is their the prayers of the priest and people Mass, we the faithful constitute one Light and Motivation. This is why as shown in the text from the Book community together with the invisible it is quite appropriate and possible of Revelation “and so from the angel’s host of angels who are also worship- for the angelic hosts to be present hand the smoke of the incense went ping God with us (Rev. 22:8). on the earth, to worship and adore up in the presence of God and with their Lord in this form in which He it the prayers of the saints’’ (Rev. 8:4). Jakub Szymański

The Angels | No 4 | 2010 | 19 Angels and the Divine Mercy Saint Faustina and humility would like to say three words to the embarrassing work, and yes, humili- soul that is determined to strive for ating work recalling our sins, own- sanctity and to derive fruit, that is ing up to them and admitting them The soul meets Ito say, benefit from confession. One to another human being. It is a real the God of mercy of these words is humility. A soul exercise in humility, and therein lies does not benefit as it should from the its value. In a church in Belarus on the main sacrament of confession if it is not One seminarian told his rector altar is hung a painting of Christ as humble. Pride keeps us in darkness. that a turning point in his life came the Man of Sorrows. Many years ago (St Faustina Diary par.113). when he heard a retreat leader say: it hung on a side wall. An old woman, Jesus is the light that lets us see The theme of contemporary self-help who had poor eyesight, entered the every blemish in our heart. Those is “I’m OK – you’re OK!” The theme church. She wanted to go to confes- who live with him would never of a contemporary self-help retreat will sion and asked where the priest in say: I have no sin to confess. Only be: “I’m an ass- you’re an ass!” the confessional was. Young boys, those, who live in darkness, will So much contemporary pseudo- as young boys are, made fun of her say this. When it is dark no one spirituality is built around a faulty “Here, he is” they said and showed can see themselves clearly. That understanding of the principle “God her the painting. The old woman means the conscience has died. It loves me just the way I am.” Well, yes approached the painting, she only is worth going to the confessional he does, but he loves me so much that noticed the figure with a head rested and beginning the confession with he does not want me to remain just on the shoulder. She thought it must the words: There is something wrong the way I am. have been the priest, so she knelt and with me, because I believe I have no He is constantly calling forth the made her confession - to Jesus. sins. When one has an active and good, the light, the truth he sees in A parish priest sitting opposite sensitive conscience, it is easy to me to conquer the evil, the dark- was looking at the scene. He was understand one’s sins as wounds ness, the shame that is also there. so moved that the next day he had made to our inner selves. Then you And the sacrament of penance is the painting of Christ as the Man do not even need a prayer book one of the most powerful ways he of Sorrow put on the main altar. to examine your conscience. It is accomplishes that. But it takes hu- In the sacrament of penance we enough to look at Christ’s cross. mility to admit that we do indeed meet the Live Christ – a priest is have evil, darkness and hate with- only a representative of Christ’s in…but we can not be perfect un- true presence. less we are humble. When you approach the confes- Virtue When those of you into exercise sional, know this – said Jesus to St know a particular muscle, bone or Faustina – that I Myself am waiting of humility section of your body is weak, flabby there for you. I am only hidden by the Confession is so important for or injured, you do specific exercise priest, but I Myself act in your soul. our interior life, because it fosters to strengthen that area. Well, our Here the misery of the soul meets the the virtue of humility, which is the “humble muscle” is weak and the God of mercy (Diary par. 1602) key virtue for those seeking perfec- sacrament of penance can strength- In the sacrament of penance tion in discipleship. It is hard work, en it. Jesus the Doctor treats our wounds

20 | The Angels | No 4 | 2010 us suffer. Humanly speaking, this is day. No matter how tired, how angry impossible (Diary par. 766). or how upset we were, we were never to go to bed without saying ‘I’m sorry’ if we knew we had hurt the other.” I felt

a strong grip Snares laid Forgiveness frees the human heart. A well-known modern writer at my feet Henri Nouwen, wrote of how one If someone causes you trouble, day he was knocked down by a car think what good you can do for and sent to hospital. “You have to be the person who caused you to suf- operated on immediately”, said the fer, said Jesus to St Faustina (Diary. doctor. “But you must know that the 1760). When she noticed she did not operation is complicated and we can- feel love towards those who were her not foresee its consequences.”.. I knew enemies and was worried because of I may not have that long to survive; this, Jesus told her: It is not always and at that moment I felt a strong within your power to control your grip around my neck. I knew those feelings. You will recognize that you were all the people whom I had not have love if, after having experienced forgiven or did not have enough annoyance and contradiction, you

Photo: Fr Mieczysław Fr Photo: Kucel CSMA courage to ask for forgiveness. I asked do not lose your peace, but pray for „„Reliquary of Saint Faustina my friend standing next to me to take those who have made your suffer and a piece of paper. I then dictated some wish them well (Diary. 1628). of selfishness, arrogance, conceit names to him. If I do not survive, St Faustina’s struggle in the field and gives us His Mercy, leading us find those people and ask them for of love of enemies was heroic… She to be merciful to others. The faith forgiveness, also tell them I forgive said: O my Jesus, when someone is that Christ is presenting in the sacra- them… At that moment the strong unkind and unpleasant toward us, it ment of penance lets us experience grip loosened. I was ready to be op- is difficult enough to bear this kind the of forgiveness. But, only erated on. of suffering. But this is very little in he who believes himself to be a sin- Gerald Jampolsky, author of a well- comparison to another suffering ner, can perceive the miracle of for- known book ‘Forgiveness – the Greatest which I cannot bear; namely, that giveness and experience God’s Mercy. Healer’ wrote: “Forgiveness gives me which I experience when someone God’s forgiveness gave St. Faustina a sense of personal freedom, hope, exhibits kindness towards me and power to forgive others. You give me peace and happiness which I get in no then lays snares at my feet at every strength always to move forward other way.” He also said: “Forgiveness step I take. What great willpower (…) and to have love in my heart for is the shortest route to God.” is necessary to love such a soul for those from whom I suffer adversities A couple were celebrating their God’s sake. Many a time one has to and contempt (Diary par. 1620). It sixty-fifth wedding anniversary. At be heroic in loving such a soul as does not mean that St Faustina did not the reception they were asked their God demands (Diary.1241). experience difficulties in forgiving, did secret. “Well,” the husband replied, That is true. It is not always easy not experience the burden of meeting “when we got married, our parish or pleasant to follow Jesus, but it is boastful, conceited or bad-mannered priest told us that every night before the only way to make a man free. As people. O my Jesus, you know what we went to bed, we should kneel down someone once said: “No one prom- efforts are needed to live sincerely next to each other at the side of the ised us an easy journey, but we were and unaffectedly with those from bed, say the Our Father together, then promised a good final destination.” whom our nature flees, or with those apologise to one another for any hurt who, deliberately or not, have made we may have caused the other that Father Krzysztof Poświata (CSMA)

The Angels | No 4 | 2010 | 21 Angels in the teaching of the Holy Fathers Pope John Paul II views on the angels General Audience: July 30,1986

(...) According to Sacred part of the created world. The Scripture the angels, inasmuch are in a special way the interpreters as they are purely spiritual crea- of this voice, when, for example, they 1.tures, are presented for our reflection proclaim “Praise the Lord from the as a special realization of the “image heavens, praise him in the heights! of God”, the most perfect Spirit, as Praise him all his angels...” (Ps 148:1- Jesus himself reminds the Samaritan 2). Similarly in Psalm 102 (103): “Bless woman in the words: “God is spirit” the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty (Jn 4:24). From this point of view ones who do his word, hearkening the angels are creatures closest to the to the voice of his word!” (Ps 102 he organs still remain si- divine exemplar. The name given to [103]:20). This last verse of Psalm lent. The bells have not be- them by Sacred Scripture indicates 102 indicates that the angels take gun to peal, but the newly that what counts most in Revelation part, in a way proper to themselves, Tblessed paschal candle has been is the truth concerning the tasks of in God’s government of creation, as placed by the altar. It is the lit- the angels in regard to man: angel “the mighty ones who do his word” urgy of Easter. One of the most () in fact means “messenger” according to the plan established by beautiful prayers of the church The Hebrew malak, used in the Old Divine Providence. To the angels in begins with a call of joy. Man Testament, signifies more precisely particular is entrusted a special care calls heaven and earth to rejoice “delegate” or “ambassador.” The an- and solicitude for people, whose re- but first turns to the angel of gels, spiritual creatures, have a func- quests and prayers they present to God: Rejoice, heavenly powers! tion of mediation and of ministry in God as, mentioned, for example, in the Sing choirs of angels! Exalt all cre- the relationships between God and Book of Tobit (Cf. especially Tob 3:17 ation around God’s throne! Jesus man. Under this aspect the Letter to and 12:12). Psalm 90 proclaims: “For Christ, our King is risen! Sound the Hebrews says that Christ has been to his angels he has given command the trumpet of salvation! Rejoice, given a “name”, and therefore a minis- about you... upon their hands they shall earth, in shining splendour radi- try of mediation, far superior to that bear you up, lest you dash your foot ant in the brightness of your King! of the angels (cf. Heb 1:4). against a stone”(cf. Ps 90-[91]:11-12). Here we are reminded of an- Following the Book of Daniel it can be other joyful hymn, Glory to God The Old Testament emphasizes said that the tasks of angels as ambas- in the highest and peace on earth especially the special participa- sadors of the living God extend not to those who are God’s friends. tion of the angels in the celebra- only to individual human beings and These are the words by which the 2.tion of the glory which the creator to those who have special duties, but angels praise God on Christmas receives as a tribute of praise on the also to entire nations (Dan 10:13-21). Eve. Their proclamation is

22 | The Angels | No 4 | 2010 Angels in the liturgy The ‘Gloria’ and ‘Exultet’ – the sung expression of the joy of people and of angels

Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to those who are God’s friends. These are the words by which the angels praise God on Christmas Eve. Their proclamation is directed to the as- tounded shepherds and to us all. The Christmas and Easter mes- sages speak of the same light. On the Christmas night we thank the Lord Jesus that he wished to come among us in human form. On Easter night we praise the Risen One that he conquered death and so opened the way for our eternal life in heaven. directed to the astounded shepherds that night when heaven and earth, the word. The poetic narrative of and to us all. divine and human affairs unite. creation of the word, the story of The paschal liturgy (attributed to The Christmas and Easter mes- the crossing of the Red Sea by the St Ambrose) is sung only once a year sages speak of the same light. Old Israelites, the story of their wander- on the vigil of Easter. The hymn of Simeon, when he recognised Jesus, ings in the desert, moving psalms the angels at Bethlehem is heard called out: Now master let your serv- and finally the hymn of the angels somewhat more often -Glory to God ant depart in peace, according to your at the grotto in Bethlehem. This in the highest are words used each promise, because my eyes have seen always strikes me as an exceptional Sunday except in Lent, Advent and the salvation which you have prepared moment when, after the previous at funerals. The song of the angels for all the nations..., a light to enlight- two days’ clank of wooden clappers, is short, three verses of text from en the pagans and the glory of your at the ‘Gloria’ we hear the pleasing St Luke’s Gospel. However there is people Israel. The message of Easter sound of the organ, of big and small a further part to the prayer used in proclaims Rejoice, O earth in shining bells. It is not a paradox that at the the liturgy of the mass, a human splendour, radiant in the brightness of Easter Vigil the ‘Gloria’ sounds its addition to the angelic song. The your King! Christ has conquered! Glory most solemn, festive and beautiful. paschal message contains a much fills you! Darkness vanished forever! On the Christmas night we thank more extensive text. Whilst the an- the Lord Jesus that he wished to gels concentrate on the essentials come among us in human form. We – praising God, man feels the need thank Mary, that she had trustfully to talk more. This is understand- The joy of men replied to the angel I am the hand- able as the angels greatly surpass maid of the Lord. On Easter night us intellectually and in the ability and angels we praise the Risen One that he to recognise what is important. We At the Easter Vigil, the ‘Exultet’ conquered death and so opened the need to work hard to make sense of hymn is followed by the liturgy of way for our eternal life in heaven.

The Angels | No 4 | 2010 | 23 Angels in the liturgy

We became aware that we together carols speaks of the singing of the Queen of Paradise rejoice / , with the angels and the whole com- heavenly ghosts – Angels rejoice / Alleluia! Be glad and rejoice in heav- pany of heaven form the Church sing to the heavens / Gloria, gloria, en, intercede for us in need / so that – the mystical body of Christ. gloria / in excelsis Deo / On the arc we may reach that place also / and The joy of men and angels is best of the rainbow / angels sang / let us sing for eternity: Alleluia, Alleluia. expressed in song and music. On glorify God, peace be with you. What The whole church is joyful today / the web page of the Polish Bishops’ is interesting is that angels play and call and sing piously / O Conqueror, Commission on the Liturgy and sing as much in carols from the 17th Christ the Lord / Let us arise with Sacraments we find a recommen- or 18th centuries as they do in those you, Alleluia. dation for the ‘Exultet’ hymn to be of the last century. Both the ‘Gloria’ and ‘Exultet’ sung by a lay person if necessary, so Joy expressed in song is evident force us to consider the passing of important is it that it should be sung. also in Easter hymns – On the dear- time and eternity. When we hear the The ‘Gloria’ is treated differently. est angels / go to the Blessed Virgin Christmas angels we almost imme- The hymn can be spoken. The Polish / to the Holy Mother! / Alleluia! / diately look forward – to Cana in tradition preserved in Christmas Greet her from me / and sing merrily: Galilee, to Gethsemane, to Golgotha, to the empty tomb. At the manger in Bethlehem we consider time in hu- man terms, in linear fashion, from birth to death. This is the night when Jesus broke the chains Things are rather different in the message of Easter: This is the night when first you saved our fathers. You freed the peo- ple of Israel from their slavery and led them dry-shod through the sea. This is the night when the pillar of fire destroyed the darkness of sin! This is the night when Christians everywhere, are washed clean of sin and freed from all defilement, are re- stored to grace and grow together in holiness. This is the night when Jesus Christ broke the chains of death and rose triumphant from the grave. How will we refer to that same night, say, in the year 2226? We will only understand this text when we accept the perspective of eternity. And, if we do accept this perspec- tive, we have then to set ourselves

24 | The Angels | No 4 | 2010 TESTIMONY a number of questions. Is that night one of light and joy for me? Have I accepted this light? Have I accompanied the angels to the manger and to Calvary? Have St Michael I met with the Risen Lord? Do I believe in my own resurrection? One other important mat- ter arises from the ‘Gloria’ and the Archangel ‘Exultet.’ These messages remind us that the Lord God cares not only about our eternal life (in heaven) but that he is also interested in our Testimony present earthly life. He helps his people: In Egypt he guards the first y mother was a practising settle myself, I started to pray for all born sons of the Israel from death, and a devout catholic all my old friends – people I had not seen he leads the Hebrews through the her life but had neverthe- for a while and, as I prayed, I pictured Red Sea, protecting them from Mless always been terrified of dying their faces before me. Suddenly, their Pharaoh’s army. and going to hell. This fear really faces changed and they became hor- The power of this holy night took hold of her when she became rible, like gargoyles, or those terrible dispels all evil, washes guilt away, ill and it kept on growing. Neither masks that people wear at Halloween. restores lost innocence, brings I nor anyone else could calm her They were ugly, evil, sneering and leer- mourners joy, it casts out hatred, fears for more than a short time. ing at me and I was afraid. I knew it brings us peace and humbles earth- Always they would return. was the devil taunting me – and almost ly pride. A few days before Christmas without thinking I said “Oh St Michael, It is not true that God has 1991, my mother was told that she protect me.” – and, do you know, he turned away from us. He is al- had a large tumour on her brain and came – he came right down to me. He ways with us, if we only allow him that her condition was very serious. didn’t make a lot of noise – you know to be present, inviting him into She went into the Manchester Royal how a big bird makes a noise when it our lives. Infirmary on 26 December for a scan. flaps its wings? – well, he didn’t – I just Therefore, let us repeat with The tumour was much bigger than heard the faintest sound like the softest trust the words of the joyful Easter had been thought – without major of sighs- almost like a whisper – sss.., hymns: brain surgery she would not live but sss… – and there he was and I wasn’t Accept this Easter candle, there was grave concern whether she in the least bit frightened. a flame divided but undimmed, could survive such an operation. She a pillar of fire that glows to the was so, so frightened. honour of God. Let it mingle with the lights of heaven and contin- He was so strong ue burning brightly, to dispel the darkness of this night! May the She was and masculine Morning Star which never sets Oh, he was so beautiful – the most find this flame still burning, Christ, transformed beautiful thing I have ever seen in my that Morning Star, who came back Then, on 27 December, mum had life. He was about 8ft tall, with ash from the dead, and shed his peace- her “experience of St Michael” and she blond hair (not golden) to just above ful light on all mankind, your Son was transformed. This is her testimony his shoulders. He was wearing a full who lives and reigns for ever and in her own words, as she told it to me. length cream coloured gown. The gown ever, Amen. It was late at night. I was completely was edged at the neck with gold and alone and it was dark and very qui- the colour of the gown blended into Bożena Diemjaniuk et. I was very much on edge and, to peach at the hem. His feet were bare.

The Angels | No 4 | 2010 | 25 TESTIMONY

Although he was wearing a gown and had longish hair and was so beautiful, he was not at all feminine. He was so strong and so masculine – but with the most beautiful face I have ever seen in my life. Oh, he was beautiful. There are no words that could do him justice. In his hand he held a magnificent sword, of a metal I had never seen before. The sword was enormous and it looked very heavy (it had a round guard on the handle) and yet he raised it as if it weighed no more than a feather. He wielded the sword from side to side and the evil faces all dis- appeared. He never smiled at me but he was not stern either, just very firm and so very strong and, all the time, his eyes were watching, as if scanning the horizon, on the alert to see where next he was needed and I felt he could see to the ends of the earth. Calm and full of peace He never spoke to me but, when out of heaven and he stands in God’s the faces had gone, he gestured to me presence, ready to do His bidding. with his hand (to go) behind him and She was not afraid then he opened his beautiful wings She survived the seven hour opera- slightly (the feathers of which were tion. I was with her when she came like the softest down imaginable, not Tears of joy round. She woke up praising God and at all prickly or hard and his wings Following this experience my His Holy Mother! Despite the (techni- were cream, edged with apricot) and mum had no fear at all and she was cal) success of the operation, the brain he closed his wings around me and able to place herself totally in God’s tumour was found to be malignant and I knew I was safe. And then he went hands. Her only tears now were tears we were told there was nothing more – but since that night, I have never of joy because she really believed to be done. Mum was dying of cancer. been frightened and I have felt full that, whatever happened, whether But, after her experience of St Michael, of peace. she lived or died – it would be won- she never again in her life, knew fear. It was a wonderful experience and derful and she was ready for it. The Almighty God, in His loving kindness it was real. It really happened – I was morning of her operation (New Year’s and mercy had, in one moment, re- not dreaming. I know that, if I ever Eve), we went with her to the op- moved from my mum all fear, all terror, need him again, he will come and, erating theatre. She needed no pre- forever. Mum had her experience of St if anyone is ever in trouble or afraid medication, she was calm and full of Michael on 27 December, 1991. She – pray to (God, to send) St Michael and peace – the peace that can only come died on 9 April, 1992. I was with her remember how he helped me. He will from God - and she was happy; she every day during that time – she was not let you down. He drove the devil smiled and waved to us as we left her. not afraid. There was a peacefulness

26 | The Angels | No 4 | 2010 and sweetness about her that had not fear. So I went on the ‘This Morning’ been there before. Everyone who saw programme presented by Richard and her came away enriched. Of course, Judy. A chauffer-driven car was sent there were times she was sad, sad at be- to my house in Macclesfield to take ing parted from those that she loved so me there and return me home. It was much – and then she did weep - but not quite an experience and turned out to from fear. She reached a point where be really enjoyable. Amazingly, I was she was able to say to me “I have always not at all nervous but then, we (Hope loved life and I’ve always lived it to the and me) did pray together just before full. Now, I am dying and I am happier the cameras started! than I have ever been in my life.” I was Later still, I was asked to go on privileged to be with my mum when Radio 4 to tell the story and it was she died – she smiled. broadcast the following Christmas Day. I understand from other people that it is still repeated occasionally. After that, mum’s story was printed “Never travel faster than your The truth in the Catholic papers, in several of Guardian Angel can fly.” the daily papers, in magazines and it touches people began to travel further afield. I have “Without patience, we will learn My mother’s stories were notorious had cuttings and letters from the less in life. We will see less. We will for “growing in the telling” – but this USA, Australia and many European feel less. We will hear less. Ironically, story never grew – because it is the countries. rush and more usually mean less.” truth –and the truth does not need to grow. And, it is the truth that touches “I am not sure exactly what people and so many have been touched heaven will be like, but I know by my mum’s experience and, please With God nothing that when we die and it comes God, they will continue to be so. time for God to judge us, he will It was only a week or so after my is impossible not ask, ‘How many good things mum’s experience that there was a let- I mention all of this not to boast have you done in your life?’ rath- ter in the Catholic Universe from a la- – about my mum or myself, but to er he will ask, ‘How much love dy called Hope Price, asking if anyone show how amazing our God is and did you put into what you did?” had had an “angel experience” as she also to make clear that the spreading felt called to write a book about these. of this story is the work of God’s Holy Mother Teresa My mum felt very strongly that the Spirit. There is no way I could or would experience she had was not just for ever have done it. Even now, I some- herself but that she was meant to share times stop and ask myself if it all really Guardian it with others – to encourage them, happened – how could something like especially if they were afraid of any- that happen to ordinary people like us? Angel Prayer thing, so we wrote to Hope and that’s The answer I know is because God is how the story came to be in the book. so good and nothing is impossible to After my mum died, Hope rang me Him and His ways are truly amazing. Angel of God, my and asked if I would go on national tel- I loved my mum very much; she guardian dear, To whom evision with her and tell mum’s story! was my best friend and my soul mate It was quite a shock! My immediate re- as well as my mum and it has given God’s love commits me sponse was “No Way!” but then Hope me great pleasure to remember and here, Ever this day be asked me what my mother would share something of her story with you. at my side, To light and say….I knew then I would have to do it. My love for my mum and for my Catherine Mossey guard, to rule and guide. God was stronger and bigger than my Macclesfield, Cheshire, England Amen.

The Angels | No 4 | 2010 | 27 Angelic breath of life St Michael our greatest protector ne of the most famous Polish famous musicians would write songs blind people’s minds and put out the poets, Jan Twardowski, wrote to his glory. light of faith. Sometimes people can this poem – a prayer to an angel: Seeing all this, Father Markiewicz be so blind! Blinded by their selfish- O wrote: “We live in very sad times. The ness, conceit, jealousy, anger, hatred Angel on the old painting devil has never before been so per- and their lust for material goods. Protecting children from the cold sistent, clever and impudent in his Not so long ago a book written Do not forget that we, adults fight against God and the Church by Rosa Alberoni: “Get rid of Christ” Are just children who grew too fast like nowadays. His fight seems to was published. The author analyses be supernatural.” And he added: “As the process of removing Christ from One of those who venerated Saint a consequence, we need to turn to St. the history of Christian Europe. At the Michael the Archangel and the angels Michael, the leader of God’s army and end she says: “We have to come back was Blessed Bronisław Markiewicz. the suppressor of the devil.” to Christ and overcome our desire of He was a great priest, who gave Father Markiewicz strongly be- glory, which is a problem in many so- his life to children and abandoned lieved that St. Michael was the great- cieties. We have all been called to make youths. His motto was, “I would like est protector in the fight against the it happen. If we don’t do it, we will be to gather millions of children and devil and the temptations that lure destroyed by other civilisations.” teenagers – from every country and us away from God. He also believed St. Michael is a great patron saint, race – feed and dress their bodies and that St. Michael could teach us hu- because God is in the centre of his their souls for free.” mility and give us the ability to fight life. Let’s ask him for his help! Some As Father Markiewicz lived and with spirit and inner power. But time ago in one of the newspapers worked in Miejsce Piastowe at the turn above all, he was the best example I read: “A group of aggressive hooli- of the 19th and 20th centuries, he wanted of everyday admiration of God’s love gans approached me in a dark alley. to find a patron saint for the newly and beauty. Who can be like God? They were about to attack me when created convent that would be respon- I asked God to send St. Michael to sible for the upbringing of children me. Then suddenly a very big guy and youths. It was a very difficult time came out of one of the buildings. My for the Church, when Pope Leon XIII Be ready old friend... Michael. The hooligans wrote Humanum genus, a papal encyc- walked away.” lical about the spread of freemasonry. for the fight His attitude shows us that we should The Pope also had a shocking vision Not so long ago a young man consider our lives as a spiritual fight. of the Church’s future, which inspired was blinded in an accident. He had “Be ready for the fight”, said St. Paul to him to write the prayer: “St. Michael, to learn how to live again. His old the Ephesians. As someone so wittily protect us in the fight....” In 1886 he friends abandoned him. But some- said: “We do not get through our lives sent it to all the bishops, requesting one appeared to him, who helped him by cruise boat but by battle ship.” We them to say it after every Mass. At the find Jesus. After a few years he said, face a battle for our lives, which we time, there were many processions in “I was blind, but now I can see.” To see have to face up to and our patron saint Rome, where people would carry flags the miraculous things we need spir- is our example and will help make sure with the Devil painted on them and itual sight, the light of faith. The devil we win this battle. “Watch out” says knows this and does everything to the apostle, “Your enemy, the devil, is

28 | The Angels | No 4 | 2010 and mind. If they focus on the hurdle, don’t trust themselves and approach it with fear, they will lose the race and fail. The first rule of the spiritual fight is to have faith in the victory. The devil plays for the extra time. A Polish saying suggests: “Who waits for too long will be unfortunate.” Sigfried Gran’s story about three devils shows the importance of that warning. They told their master how they were going to seduce people and make them collapse. The first one said: “I will tell peo- ple that God does not exist.” The master devil answered: “You will not gain much in that way. People have faith in God in their hearts and it is not that easy to get rid of it.” The second one said: “I will con- vince them that hell does not exist.” The master did not like that idea either: “You will not lure too many of them. Clever people know that there is bound to be justice.” like a roaring lion that stalks around, Maybe our helmet of hope has shat- The third one said humbly: “I will looking for new prey. Be strong in faith tered and we no longer believe that whisper in their ears that they can put and oppose him!” Christ has conquered the world? We everything off, wait for a better time give up so easily. That’s why we can and and that there is nothing that they we should take up the spiritual fight but would have to do right away.” we need to take it up as the winners. “Go for it”, said the master, “You A Knight We are not made to fight but to win. will lure many people and bring Most of the paintings show St. Do you remember that scene from them to us.” Michael as a knight. His sword, ‘Braveheart’, when during the bat- We shouldn’t put off our spiritual shield, armour and helmet are sym- tle of Stirling, the main character, fight. We should make good reso- bols of his spiritual weapons. Let’s William Wallace, seeing the lack of lutions and immediately go about ask ourselves a couple of questions: hope in his fellow soldiers, encour- changing our lives. What are our moral weapons like? ages them to carry on fighting and Maybe we feel that we can’t de- Maybe we too often cast off the because of that they win in a spec- fend our faith and the innocents with armour of God’s love by living in tacular way. Many people take up the our weapon of the spoken word for sin? Bernanos in his novel, ‘Diaries spiritual fight but they have lost even various reasons. Perhaps someone is of a Village Priest’ shows a priest who before they’ve begun. We are the win- laughing at our religion and we feel tries to convert a countess who re- ners because Jesus has won. “Thanks too embarrassed to say anything or belled against God. She became very to my God, I can jump over the wall”, our religious knowledge is too lim- bitter after the loss of her child and the says a psalmist. The participants of ited to say anything constructive in priest tries to comfort her and bring a hurdle race have to “throw their the defence of Christ and the Church. her back to God. Finally, he wins her heart behind the hurdle.” It means But we can’t give up! over, convincing her with one sen- that before they jump, they have to tence: “Hell, is the inability to love.” be behind the hurdle in their heart Father Krzysztof Poświata CSMA

The Angels | No 4 | 2010 | 29 MYstery of Christmas Meeting the angelic army And there were shepherds liv- must have found the ing out in the fields nearby, keep- words unbelievable ing watch over their flocks at night. and difficult to com- An angel of the Lord appeared to prehend. They were to them, and the glory of the Lord become representatives shone around them, and they were of mankind, chosen terrified. (Luke 2, 8:9) by God to witness His Poor shepherds were often hired Son’s birth. The infor- to take care of a flock and protect mation given to them was precise, was a gift for those who had pure it from thieves and wild animals. the Messiah, Saviour had been born hearts; they would be filled with While watching over a flock of sheep in Bethlehem. There were three el- harmony between God and His near Bethlehem some shepherds ex- ements of the sign which were to creature. When the angels had left perienced a deep religious shock confirm the angel’s words: the infant, them and gone into heaven, the when an angel appeared to them and clothes and a manger. The shepherds shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s announced the birth of the Messiah. believed the Divine messenger, but go to Bethlehem and see this thing They were immersed in a mysterious who would believe them? If they ac- that happened, which the Lord has light which could be considered the cepted the grace given to them, they told us about.’ So they hurried off light of truth. This light permeated could start a new life; but because and found Mary and Joseph, and them and everything around them of their lowly status they probably the baby who was lying in the man- so that nothing was hidden. When doubted this, as no doubt they would ger. When they had seen him, they faced with God’s glory the shepherds encounter the laughter and mockery spread the word concerning what were afraid. of others. It seems significant that had been told them about this child, But the angel said to them: ‘Do there is the Three Kings’ festival in and all who heard it were amazed not be afraid. I bring you good news the Roman Catholic Church, but not at what the shepherds said to them of great joy that will be for all the a Shepherds’ one. (Luke 2, 15:18). The shepherds di- people. Today in the town of David Suddenly a great company of the vided themselves into two groups: a Saviour has been born to you. He is heavenly host appeared with the an- one stayed in the fields to protect Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to gel, praising God and saying ‘Glory the flocks whilst the other hurried you: You will find a baby wrapped in to God in the highest, and on earth to Bethlehem to see the Child. cloths and lying in a manger’ (Luke peace to men on whom his favour They were filled with joy. The 2, 10:12). The angel knew that the rests’ (Luke 2, 13:14). The angelic same joy was in the heart of Mary shepherds would be afraid, so he army that sang of the Divine glory after the annunciation. That’s why reassured them and helped them to appeared the best confirmation she hurried up to Elisabeth. understand and accept the message of the message. They announced but still the uneducated shepherds peace to people of good will. Peace Father Edward Staniek

30 | The Angels | No 4 | 2010 Questions and answers

How can we make From what choir transferring his own self and all his the most of the presence of what Hierarchy do our activity from one continent to an- of the angels in our life? Guardian Angels come? other with the speed of thought. That is why we see the angels with wings Firstly we should ask them to According to the holy writers, which represents speed. help us in our prayer. We often feel they are taken from the lowest angelic distracted in the morning, in the hierarchy. They are ordinarily cho- evening or before the Holy Mass. sen from the Choir of Angels, some- Do the angels know what That is why we may ask them for their times from that of the Archangels, we think about? help in our prayer. They will be with and exceptionally from the choir of us, help us to concentrate and they Principalities. These choirs are more Although the angels cannot pen- will carry our prayers to God. directly in contact with manifested etrate the inner sanctuary of human Secondly we may ask them for and earthly things than the others. hearts which God has reserved for their care and guidance when we go Himself, they do all they can to help somewhere. When we find it difficult us. However, it is in our power by an to agree with God’s will because ac- How do the angels act of our free will to expose our inti- tually it means suffering, we are en- move from one place mate thoughts to our angelic compan- couraged to ask the angels to come to another? ion. They don’t know our thoughts, and strengthen us. One of them did only God knows them. We may reveal so in the Garden of Olives and he Our mind, the closest thing to an our thoughts in our prayer to them. strengthened Jesus. angel, even without leaving the loca- What is more they can guess what Thirdly they may help us in hav- tion occupied by our body, travels we think because they are very intel- ing a good relationship with other with the speed of a spirit. At this mo- ligent, they know our past, they know people. In the morning we should ment we can transfer our thoughts what we thought about when faced pray to the Guardian Angels of the and our imagination from one place with a similar situation. people whom by God’s providence to another. What a man can do men- we will meet on this day. If you argue tally only, an Angel can do by actually Father Peter Prusakiewicz CSMA often with someone, pray to his and to your Guardian Angel so that they will help you to come to agreement.

What about the duty of my Guardian Angel when I die and my soul suffers in purgatory?

If my soul suffers in purgatory, my Guardian Angel will visit it and com- fort it in the company of other angels. But in the meantime, he goes around inspiring and prompting my rela- tives, friends and other people here on earth to pray and to offer Masses for my release from Purgatory. He will not rest till the day when he in- troduces my soul into Paradise. There I will be sharing with him the blessed vision of God.

The Angels | No 4 | 2010 | 31 PRAYERS

Chaplet of St Michael

L. In the name of the Father, and of 3. By the intercession of St Michael the Son and of the Holy Spirit. and the celestial Choir of Thrones, A. Amen may the Lord infuse into our L. O God, come to my assistance hearts a true and sincere spirit of A. O Lord, make haste to help me humility. Amen. (1 Our Father, 3 ) Glory be to the Father, etc.. 4. By the intercession of St Michael and L. By the intercession of St Michael the celestial Choir of Dominions, and the celestial Choir of may the Lord give us grace to gov- Seraphim, may the Lord make ern our senses and subdue our un- us worthy to burn with the fire ruly passions. Amen. of perfect charity. Amen. (1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary) (1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary) 5. By the intercession of St Michael 2. By the intercession of St Michael and the celestial Choir of Powers, and the celestial Choir of Cherubim, may the Lord vouchsafe to protect may the Lord vouchsafe to grant us our souls against the snares and may the Lord grant us to be pro- grace to leave the ways of wicked- temptations of the devil. Amen. tected by them in this mortal life ness to run in the paths of Christian (1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary) and conducted hereafter to eter- perfection. Amen. 6. By the intercession of St Michael nal glory. Amen. (1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary) and the celestial Choir of Virtues, (1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary) may the Lord deliver us from evil and suffer us not to fall into temp- 1 Our Father Prayer tation. Amen. in honour of St Michael of Pope Leo XIII (1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary) 1 Our Father in honour of St Gabriel Saint Michael 7. By the intercession of St Michael 1 Our Father the Archangel, and the Celestial Choir of in honour of St Raphael defend us in battle, Principalities, may God fill our 1 Our Father be our protection souls with a true spirit of obedi- in honour of our Guardian Angel against the wickedness ence. Amen. and snares of the devil. (1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary) O glorious prince, St Michael, chief May God rebuke him, and commander of the heavenly we humbly pray 8. By the intercession of St Michael hosts, guardian of souls, vanquisher and do thou, and the celestial Choir of of rebel spirits, servant in the house O Prince Archangels, may the Lord give of the Divine King, and our admi- of the Heavenly Host, by the Divine us perseverance in faith and in all rable conductor, who shines with Power of God, good works, in order that we gain excellence and superhuman virtue, cast into hell Satan the glory of Paradise. Amen. vouchsafe to deliver us from evil, who and all the evil spirits (1 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary) turn to you with confidence, and en- who wander throughout able us by your gracious protection to the world seeking 9. By the intercession of St Michael serve God more and more faithfully the ruin of souls. and the celestial Choir of Angels, every day. Amen. Amen.