Novena to the Nine Choirs of Angels

TO MY GOOD ANGEL GUARDIAN.

Most faithful guardian of all that I am! when I reflect on my ingratitude and your unceasing cares, my mind is bewildered, and I know not what to say, but that you are a heavenly intelligence, a spirit of light and love, and a prince of the celestial realms—while I am but dust and ashes, a miserable sinner, and the least of men. Great Prince! why do you love me so tenderly? why is there not one moment of my life undistinguished by your favors? What shall I render you in return for them? I have nothing to offer, dear Guardian of my heart, except the firm resolution of loving you henceforward with your blessed companions in glory. Present my resolution, together with this Novena, to these holy choirs; it will be better received from you; and tell them, in your angelic manner, how sorry I am for not having always loved them. Tell them how much I wish to see their devotion extended, and that all men should know and love the Holy Angels, for the glory of God alone. It is this God alone, O most amiable of friends! that I desire in all things. Amen—Amen—God alone! God alone! the end of all devotion to the glorious Virgin, the Angels, and Saints. Amen.

PRAYER TO THE HOLY ANGELS.

O pure and happy spirits whom the Almighty selected to become the angels and guardians of men! I most humbly prostrate before you, to thank you for the charity and zeal with which you execute this commission. Alas! how many pass a long life, without ever thanking that invisible friend to whom they a thousand times owed its preservation! O charitable guardians of those souls for whom Christ died! O burning spirits, who cannot avoid loving those whom Jesus eternally loved! permit me to address you on behalf of all those committed to your care, and to implore for them all in general a grateful sense of your many favors, and also the grace to profit by your charitable assistance. O Angel of those happy infants, who as yet “are without spot before God,” preserve their innocence, I earnestly conjure you. Angels of youth, who are exposed to so many dangers, conduct them safely to the bosom of God, as Tobias was conducted back to his father. Angels of those who employ themselves in the instruction of youth! animate them with your zeal and love; teach them to emulate your purity and incessant view of God, that they may worthily and successfully co-operate with the invisible guardians of their young charge. O Angels of the clergy “who have the eternal Gospel to preach to them that sit upon earth,” present their words, their actions, and their intentions to God, and purify them in that fire of love which consumes you. Angels of infidels whom the true faith has never enlightened! intercede for them, that, practising what they know, they may at length discover the hidden secrets of the kingdom of God. O Angels of all those who throughout the world are deprived of religious instruction! open for them some source of salvation; raise up some one to break for them the bread of the world. And you, O Guardian Angels of sinners! charitable guides of those unhappy mortals, whose perseverance in sin would embitter even your unutterable joys, were you not established in the peace of God, oh join me, I ardently beseech you, in imploring their conversion. Angels of all those who at this moment struggle in the agonies of death! strengthen, encourage, and defend them against the attacks of their infernal enemy. O faithful Guides! holy spirits! ardent adorers of the Divinity! Guardian Angels of all creatures! protect us all—teach us to love to pray, to combat on earth, and rather obtain for us instant death, than permit us to commit one mortal sin. Amen.