The Glories of the Holy Angels
Venerable Henri Boudon, Archdeacon of Evreux
THE MONTH OF OCTOBER, DEDICATED TO THE HOLY ANGELS, BY A SERIES OP PIOUS PRACTICES
Some persons, devout to the holy Angels, wished to dedicate to these holy Spirits a whole month—that of October. They, during that period, perform the following practices. It commences the evening of St. Michael’s Day, by the following offering:— O all ye holy Angels ! who contemplate without ceasing the uncreated beauty of the Divinity, in company with your ever glorious Queen—I, your unworthy servant, present and offer to you all the practices of this month of October, consecrated to your glory, not only as a means of obtaining (here specify your request,) but also as a reparation for my past ingratitude, and that of all men. Deign to accept it, O amiable Spirits! in union with the love and devotion of such Saints as were specially devout to you—and obtain for me to spend this time so fervently, that it may be the commencement of that angelical life which I hope to live for ever with you in Heaven. Amen.
A Memorare to the Angels
Remember, O holy Angels! that Jesus, the eternal Truth, assures us that you “rejoice more at the conversion of one sinner, than at the perseverance of many just.” Encouraged thereby, I, the last of creatures, humbly entreat you to receive me as your servant, and make me unto you a cause of true joy. Do not, O blessed Spirits! reject my petition; but graciously hear and grant it. Amen.
OCTOBER FIRST
The Creation of the Angels
Anticipate all time—penetrate the eternal years—and contemplate in wonder and amazement that eventful moment in which the Deity, coming forth from that inaccessible light in which he dwelt, gave command to nothing, and created the Angels. Admirable Spirits ! their perfections are like a profound sea, which cannot be fathomed. Beings incomprehensible— they announce in their celestial endowments the omnipotence, love, and wisdom of their Almighty Maker. They are incorruptible in their nature—illumined with the most brilliant irradiations—endowed with wonderful science—clothed with divine purity—consumed with celestial love. Their power is amazing—their charms so ravishing, that St. Bridget says, the appearance of one alone of them to mortal man would occasion immediate death. Their sanctity exceeds that of all the Saints, since they have been replenished with the divine unction, and have never contracted actual stain. Their charity is exceeding great, since they have received more of that sacred fire, which, according to St. John, is the essence of the Godhead, than all other creatures. This is saying much; and yet it conveys but a faint idea of the perfection of these celestial Spirits.
Let us, while we confess their greatness, bless the hand of Him who made them, and commence this holy month as they began their angelic course, saying—Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabbaoth ! the Heaens and the Earth are full of thy glory! Glory be to the Father !—Glory be to the Son !—Glory be to the Holy Ghost!
