The Glories of the Holy Angels
Venerable Henri Boudon, Archdeacon of Evreux
The Angels as Servants and Subjects of the Blessed Virgin Mary
OCTOBER SECOND, OR ROSARY SUNDAY
Scarcely was it announced to the heavenly Spirits, that a Queen was “born to them,” than they descend in myriads, and hover round her cradle with wonder and delight. They guard her infant steps; they convey her to the temple; they unceasingly continue their celestial cares, until, by means of the Incarnation, she becomes the temple of the Word, when their visits are so frequent, that her little cottage becomes a species of Paradise. At Bethlehem, in Egypt, and at the Holy Sepulchre, they continue to wait on their blessed Queen, until expiring under the wounds of holy love, they conduct her with celestial song through realms of light, and presenting her to the Lamb, cast their crowns before her throne, vowing her eternal love, obedience and fidelity. If we love our blessed Mother, we cannot refuse to honour those by whom she is so much honoured.
Practice.—In honour of the Blessed Virgin and the Angels, say three times the Hail Holy Queen
Aspiration—O Mary ! Mistress of the Angels and Queen of the holy Rosary, intercede for us!
Lecture—11th Motive, 1st part of the preceding work.
OCTOBER THIRD.
Sacred to the Angels of the First Choir.
Though all the blessed Spirits are commonly styled Angels, it is to those of the First Choir that the appellation strictly belongs. These are they who are charged with the execution of the divine ordinances, and who are appointed the guardians of men. Humility is the virtue particularly ascribed to them—for, though the last in order among the Choirs, they see without desiring them the greater and more excellent endowments of their celestial companions. Let us, like them, love to occupy the lowest place, especially when placed therein by Divine Providence, and to behold with joy the preference given to others.
Practice—Three Acts of Humility, interior, or exterior.
Asp.—“ Who is like God?’
Lecture—1th Motive, 1st part of the preceding work.
OCTOBER FOURTH.
To the Archangels—Second Choir.
The Archangels are distinguished from the Angels by the greater importance of their functions. They are supposed to be the guardians of the Pope, of the Bishops, and of all invested with authority, in Church and State—and are remarkable for love and care of men. Let us imitate them, doing our neighbour all the good we can, and invoking in his behalf these blessed Spirits.
Practice—Two Acts of Charity, with great affection.
Asp.—Holy Archangels ! pray for us.
Lecture—2d Motive, 1st part of preceding work.
