The Glories of the Holy Angels
Venerable Henri Boudon, Archdeacon of Evreux
OCTOBER TWENTY-FIFTH.
St. Gabriel
This blessed Spirit was the ambassador of the Most High when about to operate the greatest of all his mysteries, the Incarnation of his Son; and he it was that revealed it to Daniel many ages before. He is supposed to have been the tutelary of the holy family—the Angel who invited the shepherds to the manger—who warned St. Joseph to flee into Egypt—and, in fine, he who consoled Jesus in his agony. His name, Gabriel, signifies “ power of God.” His peculiar grace is to imprint in hearts the knowledge and love of Jesus and Mary. Let us be devout to him, and he will render us this service so desirable.
Practice—Say in honour of this blessed Angel seven times in his own words to the Blessed Virgin—Hail Mary ! &c.
Asp.—O Angel of the Lord!” extend in all hearts the empire of Jesus and Mary.
OCTOBER TWENTY-SIXTH.
St. Michael
“When Lucifer raised his rebellious head, and sought to be like to the Most High, Michael, the prince of the Seraphim, and the first of “ the Seven Spirits who stand before the Throne,” opposed his haughty pretensions and overthrew him in the contest. Saint Thomas supposes this blessed Spirit to be the breath of the Saviour, which will destroy Antichrist. He is the patron of the Church—the protector of the dying—he, in fine, who on the last day will seize the trumpet, and with a Surgite Mortui, “ Arise, ye dead !” will arraign all men before the Judge of the Living and the Dead. He is then entitled to singular love and veneration.
Practice—Nine Gloria Patria, in honour of St. Michael, as chief of the Nine
Choirs.
Asp.— O holy Michael the Archangel! defend us in the combat, lest we perish in the Day of Judgment.
OCTOBER TWENTY-SEVENTH.
The Angels of bad and ignorant Catholics.
That there are numbers who belong to the one fold of Jesus Christ, unmindful of their duty to those holy Angels, whom they know to be their guardians and protectors, and many more altogether ignorant of this consoling truth—is as undeniable as it is afflicting. Let us this day supply their deficiency by our homage and respect.
Practice.—Assist at Mass in honour of these Angels.
Asp.—For all who despise or forget you, I love and venerate you, holy Angels.
OCTOBER TWENTY-EIGHTH.
The Angels who visit and console the souls in Purgatory.
The charity of the Angels does not end with our existence here; if condemned after death to the purifying flames of Purgatory—they visit and console us in a manner which considerably diminishes the sense of suffering. They have often appeared to persons on earth, to incite them to relieve by prayers and good works, the souls detained in Purgatory.
Practice—Sacrifice something at meals in honour of these Angels.
Asp.—Holy Angels, I thank you.
