Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

The Church celebrates the Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels every year on Oct. 2. According to church teachings, guardian angels are assigned to each person to help them reach Heaven. Honoring these angels is seen as an important practice both liturgically and personally.

To honor guardian angels, individuals are encouraged to strive for Heaven by doing good, avoiding sin, reading Scripture, frequenting the sacraments, and living a life of genuine prayer and sacrifice according to church teachings. This pursuit of holiness aligns with the mission of guardian angels and is considered one of the best ways to honor them.

Another way to honor guardian angels is through devout prayer asking for their assistance. Asking for help implies recognizing their power and goodness. "When we ask somebody for help, we imply that they have the power to provide the assistance we need," explains the source. By seeking their help in matters of holiness and salvation, individuals entrust themselves to their guardians on issues that affect them eternally.

Giving thanks is also a recommended way to honor guardian angels. Compared to humans, who struggle with sinfulness and physical needs, guardian angels are perfect in holiness and virtue. They consistently intercede for human salvation with great intensity. The text emphasizes: "They are always interceding for us, and they care about our salvation and eternal happiness with a far greater intensity than we do."

While it may be difficult to recognize all instances where guardian angels have helped during one's life, it is believed that in the afterlife there will be perfect clarity about their assistance. Thus, giving thanks now is considered appropriate.

Finally, encouraging devotion to guardian angels among others helps maintain awareness of these invisible protectors in an age dominated by materialism. Readers are reminded: "Don’t wait until tomorrow—spend time in prayer with them today! May we all spread a devotion to the guardian angels, and may we honor them throughout our whole lives."