As a child, one of my favorite images was a painting by Carl Bloch of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane being comforted by an angel. It hung on my bedroom wall and always made me feel better when I was sad or worried. I thought it was awesome that Jesus had his own angel as a friend. It was understandable since he was the son of God after all, but I never considered that Jesus needed the comfort of an angel because he was also human – like me.

It was a happy lesson when I learned that everyone has their own guardian angel and memorized the lovely little prayer my religion teacher taught us:

"Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here. Ever this day be at my side, to light, to guard, to rule, to guide. Amen." 

It's a prayer I still pray as an adult.

The Agony in the Garden is one of four events in the life of Jesus that is remembered on Holy Thursday. During this night preceding his death, his closest friends, a few of the Apostles, fell asleep while Jesus prayed. Only the angel was present to him.

What does the Church teach? The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that "from infancy to death human life is surrounded by their [angels'] watchful care and intercession. Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life." (CCC, n. 336).

Take advantage of the Easter season to teach or reinforce your teaching students about the role of angels, especially guardian angels. Include the story of Jesus, who was strengthened by an angel, as he faced suffering and death.

Talk to your students about angels from two perspectives – when they help us in ways we want and when we don't feel they are helping us. Sometimes they protect us from being hurt, and other times they do not. It's important for children to understand that angels' most important role is to strengthen our relationship with God, pray for us, and help us rely on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Adopt a guardian angel prayer for your classroom and pray it with your young students: "Angel sent by God to guide me, be my light and walk beside me; be my guardian and protect me; on the paths of life direct me. Amen." 

For older students and teachers, consider the Prayer to the Angel of Gethsemane when praying for those who are suffering or those who are taking care of them: 

"O Angel of Gethsemane, chosen by the Father 
to bring strength and consolation to Jesus during His agony, 
I ask you to be with me now as I keep watch over my loved one who is sick and suffering. 
Help me to offer my best care, love and protection to this child of God.
May my words and my touch be filled with gentleness, my presence bring comfort, and my prayers bring rest and healing sleep.
Do what I cannot do, O loving Angel, to bring healing and strength to soul and body, according to the Father's will. Amen."

To read more about angels in the Catholic tradition, go to the blog article - Honoring the Angels | RCL Benziger.

For an additional prayer resource, consider, Our Family Prays. This collection of rituals, blessings, prayers, and traditions meant to encourage and inspire makes a great gift for parents or families as a help to keep prayer at the heart of the home. It's also an excellent resource for teachers, organized by the seasons of the liturgical year and including religious traditions and celebrations worldwide.

Editorial credit: Nancy Bauer/Shutterstock.com  for the stained glass image

Editorial credit: Carl Heinrich Bloch/public domain work of art (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Carl_Heinrich_Bloch_-_Gethsemane.jpg)

 

About the Author
Mary Regina Morrell, mother of six and grandmother to nine, is a Catholic journalist, author, and syndicated columnist who has served the dioceses of Metuchen and Trenton, New Jersey, and RENEW International in the areas of catechesis and communication.