Angels

PRAYER

O bright spirits,

behold my soul,

cleanse it in the streams of the blood that has merited for us every grace,

every protection,

every help,

for time and for eternity.

By the same divine blood,

obtain that I may treasure all its precious

drops offered to me in God's grace

and in the Sacraments of the Holy Church. Amen.

Angels come in many categories, and much confusion has developed regarding the names, functions, and characteristics of the different types. These can be grouped into "three ranks" (or choirs) in descending order of power:

1. Seraphim, cherubim, and ophanim (also known as thrones and often portrayed as flaming wheels)

2. Dominions, powers, and authorities; and

3. Principalities, archangels, and angels.

*Source Book: Angels by Nancy Grubb, page 10*

There are seven archangels:

a. St. Michael, the prince of heavenly host. He is the bearer of God's power and might.

b. St. Gabriel, the special messenger of God. He is the bearer of God's strength

c. St. Raphael, the healer. He bears the healing power of God

d. St. Uriel, the justice of God. He is the bearer of God's Justice

e. St. Jhudiel, the "Divine Love of God". He is the bearer of God's merciful love

f. St. Sealtiel, the "Holiness of God". He is the bearer of God's Holiness.

g. St. Barachiel, the "Providence of God". He is the bearer of God's bounty and blessing. The Saturday angel. I was born May 24, 1980 (Saturday), so he is my guardian angel.

*Source Book: Angelissimo*