The Holy Angels

The word angelus is Latin for “angel.” Our school’s name refers specifically to that well-loved prayer that begins, “The Angel of the Lord…” But all the angels play a central role in the spiritual life of Angelus Academy – so much so that our new chapel has been consecrated as the Chapel of the Holy Angels.

Angelus Academy students pray every day to the Holy Angels. They begin their school day with several prayers, including the traditional prayer to the guardian angel and a prayer to Saint Raphael, the angel whose name means “God Heals.”

This prayer reminds us that we all need friends who will reinforce our moral and spiritual values. How consoling to know that there is an angel who is committed to leading our little ones to those souls the Lord has especially chosen to be their companions on their pilgrimage through life!

At noon, after praying the Angelus, we pray to Saint Gabriel, patron saint of our school, whose name means “The Power of God.” When he appears to Our Lady, the Archangel asks her to say YES to something which everyone knows is impossible. Yet in her innocence she gives her consent, trusting that the Angel’s words—WITH GOD, NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE—are true. In their innocence, our students pray likewise.

This promise is now written prominently in the center of the school over the staircase leading to the Chapel of the Holy Angels.

Our students know that angels bear the promises of God. They proclaim the power of God and ask us to believe that He can work miracles for those who trust in that power.

Angelus Academy is itself a kind of “miracle,” and we believe our students, having received this great grace, will someday be willing to evangelize their own corner of the world with Saint Gabriel’s claim that God really can do anything and that His plans for us are far grander than anything we might dream of for ourselves.

The students end their day by preparing to go back out into a world where not everyone is committed to living according to the Gospel. After saying the Act of Contrition, they pray the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel. Because the world we live in is a fallen one, our students learn early that the call to follow Christ will never be easy. Saint Michael reminds us that we are protected against diabolical aggression and, with his help, we are not fighting this battle alone.

You can see how important devotion to the Holy Angels is at Angelus Academy!

Prayer to Saint Raphael the Archangel

 

Saint Raphael, Angel of healing and happy meetings, lead me safely on my pilgrimage through life. Help me find friends who are wise, loving, and good to accompany me on this great journey. And may all who suffer in body or soul find healing and peace through your intercession. Amen.

Prayer to Saint Gabriel the Archangel 

Great Gabriel, Angel of the Incarnation, pray for us. We want to be messengers of hope in the promise you gave to Mary: WITH GOD, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our salvation come in the flesh. Amen.

Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel

 

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.