Day 6: The Guardian Angel

The sixth day attends to the Catholic doctrine of the guardian angel, which Padre Pio knew with extraordinary intimacy.

Padre Pio's words

"Have great devotion to your guardian angel. How consoling is the thought of his never-ceasing presence by our side."

Padre Pio reported conversing with his guardian angel from earliest childhood. He instructed his spiritual directees to send their guardian angels to him with messages, and frequently described the angel's role in his daily life.

Reflection

Catholic teaching holds that every human being has an angelic guardian assigned at birth. For most Catholics this remains a quiet, unfelt presence. Padre Pio's life testifies that the relationship can be made real and conscious through prayer. The novena petitions Padre Pio to ask his guardian angel and ours to be present, alert, and active in the matter we bring to him.

Prayer

Saint Padre Pio, you who knew your guardian angel personally, ask him to assist mine. Make me aware of his presence. Help me to listen to his quiet counsels.

Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

Conclude with one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.