One of the happiest moments of my life was when I first discovered the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  In that source, I found the core truths of my faith written out in clear, easy to understand language.  One of my first big surprises—strange to say—was to affirm that angels are real.

That opened doors for me spiritually speaking because it broadened my field of vision.  You might say I came to glimpse the greater world of God’s supernatural existence.  And this revelation has been comforting and startling in more ways than I can explain.  But for starters, I’ll go back to the source and share with you some of the things I learned that widened the universe for me.

“The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls ‘angels’ is a truth of faith.  St. Augustine says: ‘Angels’ is the name of their office, not of their nature.  If you seek the name of their nature, it is ‘spirit’; if you seek the name of their office, it is ‘angel’: from what they are, ‘spirit’, from what they do, ‘angel.’  With their whole beings, the angels are servants and messengers of God…..they are the ‘mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of the word.’ As purely spiritual creatures angels have intelligence and will: they are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendor of their glory bears witness.” – Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraph 328-329)

Sometimes when the troubles of this world seem too much to bear—it helps to know that we are not alone. God made angels who go before us, and alongside us, and help us along our way.