Hey there,
We see representations of angels all around us. Who can forget the angel Clarence in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” who earns his wings by helping George Bailey.
Or John Travolta’s cigarette smoking, dancing version of the Archangel in “Michael.”
Whether in movies, books, music, or art, we’re presented with all kinds of images of angels.
Images that tend to stick with us.
But how closely do they align with the Catholic Church’s teaching?
Turns out, not that much.
This week’s issue of Genuflect provides a picture of angels as taught by the Catechism of the Catholic Church, including when they were created, the hierarchy of angels, Archangels and Guardian Angels, encounters with angels, and what heaven is like.
So while you may enjoy the angels presented in fiction, you’ll understand what they’re really like … and be prepared to encounter them for real in your daily life.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
P. S. This week’s topic on angels was suggested by a Genuflector. If there’s a subject you’d like to see covered, let me know.
genuflect: sponsor
genuflect: resources
Angels 101
Here are the basics you should know about angels according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. What they are, what their purpose is, how many there are, and more.
The Catholic Teachings On The Angels – Part 1: Angels | Catholic365
Angels Q&A
Fr. John A. Hardon provides an in depth look at Angelology, the study of angels. There’s a lot of information here, but I was particularly drawn to the information about fallen angels, temptations, and trials.
Fr. Hardon Archives – Catholic Catechism on the Angels | The Real Presence Association
The Creation of Angels
If you’re wondering when God created Angels, you’re not alone. The Bible doesn’t provide a specific answer. But there are some clues that lead us to the timing.
When Were Angels Created by God? | Aleteia
The Choirs of Angels
You’ve probably heard of Seraphim, Cherubim, Archangels, and maybe more. Our understanding of the hierarchy of angels goes all the way back to the writings of Dionysius in the late 5th century. Here are the 9 choirs of angels.
Catholic Teachings on The Angels, Part 3: The Heavenly Hierarchy; The Nine Choirs of Angels | Catholic365
All About Archangels
If you’d like a refresher on the Archangels, look no further than this Genuflect issue from last year.
Getting to Know The Archangels Better (And How They Can Help You) | Genuflect
Your Guardian Angel
Everyone is gifted a guardian angel. So it’s a good idea to get to know yours. Here’s a look back at the issue of Genuflect on how our guardian angel is here to help lead us to heaven.
Follow Your Guardian Angel’s Lead | Genuflect
Encountering Angels
Angels are real. If we are attentive, we can encounter them on a daily basis. Edward Monti shares the real story of his encounter with his guardian angel.
Encounters With Angels | Catholic Stand
Saints Who Encountered Angels
More proof of the existence of angels comes from the writings of three saints who encountered them. See what Saint Faustina, Saint Padre Pio and two of the Saints from Fatima say about their experience with angels.
Angels Are Real: 3 Mystical Encounters of The Saints With The Heavenly Angels | ChurchPOP
Angels Among us
We are never truly alone. There are angels among us … always. We may not see them, but we might sense them. Check out these two slideshows about Guardian Angels and Archangels.
Angels Are Always With us And Can Help us in Every Situation | Aleteia
What’s Heaven Like?
We can learn a lot about heaven from the Scriptures. And it’s not what some people’s vision of heaven is: our loved ones as angels with wings, halos, and flowing gowns sitting on clouds. Here’s what we do know.
What is Heaven Really Like? | Catholic Answers
genuflect: bonus
Digital Inspiration
Click below to download this week’s free Holy Spirit inspirational wallpaper for your desktop and your phone.
Download for Desktop Download for Phone
Download one of the previous wallpapers
genuflect: sharing
Please use these buttons to share this issue of Genuflect. Thank you!
