St. Padre Pio had a strong devotion to his guardian angel. He spoke to him frequently, asked for his help, and encouraged others to do the same. He told his spiritual children that when they needed his prayers, they could send their guardian angels to him.
Accounts from those who lived with Padre Pio describe him speaking to angels who brought him the intentions of people asking for his prayers. One friar recalled hearing Padre Pio quietly respond while praying the Rosary at night: “Tell her I will pray for her” or “Tell him that I will knock at the heart of Jesus for this grace.”
Padre Pio also encouraged people who could not come to him personally to send their guardian angels instead.
It sounds extraordinary, but the Catholic teaching behind it is something every Catholic should know.
Our guardian angels are not merely a comforting idea from childhood. Jesus Himself spoke of them when He said of children, “their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10, RSV-CE).
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that, from childhood until death, human life is surrounded by the “watchful care and intercession” of the angels (CCC 336).
Most of us will never see our guardian angel or experience anything as dramatic as the accounts associated with Padre Pio. Nor should we go looking for extraordinary experiences. Their ordinary work of guarding, guiding, and interceding for us is extraordinary enough.
Yet we should often recall that our guardian angel is with us! Especially today, on the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels!
Padre Pio encouraged his spiritual children to send their guardian angels to him when they needed his prayers. Today, we can ask St. Padre Pio directly for his intercession, while also asking our guardian angel for the protection, guidance, and help God has entrusted to him.
This beautiful Amethyst Crystal Guardian Angel Chaplet is a way to remember to ask our guardian angels for help and protection. This heirloom-quality chaplet is a timeless devotional gift that includes a prayer card and instructions. Discover yours today at The Catholic Company!
