Do angels exist?
Do we believe in angels?
Modern science and many religious (clergy and theologians) dismiss the belief in angels
as naïve and superstitious
However at every Mass we proclaim the existence of angels.
In our Creed, our Profession of Faith, we profess to believe in “one God, the father
almighty, creator of heaven and earth of all things visible (seen) and invisible (unseen.)”
Some would suggest that this is just a way of saying that God created all/everything, but
others throughout the history of the Church see in this the creation of purely spiritual
beings, those beings without matter…angels!
Although through our intellect we can reasonably speculate that angels exist, the
existence of pure created spirits requires divine revelation to make the fact absolutely
certain. The catechism refers to this as “the truth of faith.”
Some would say that a fair test of Christian orthodoxy is the acceptance of angels as
created by God and now living in two states of being: those in heaven who also minister
to our needs, and those in hell, who are demons and bent on the destruction of the
human race through estrangement from God.
We have numerous sources to bolster our belief in angels including scripture (OT and
NT), the Church Fathers (Patristics), Church Councils, the CCC, and the Mass.
SCRIPTURE
There are hundreds of references to angels in Scripture. Here are just a few:
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An angel was sent to keep Abraham from sacrificing Isaac (Gen.22:11-12).
The Archangel Raphael (whose name means “God heals”) assisted Tobiah on
his journeys, leads Tobiah to his wife, Sarah, and heals Tobiah’s father, Tobit.
The Archangel Gabriel (whose name means “God’s hero”) announced the birth of
John the Baptist and the birth of Jesus (Lk 1).
The Archangel Michael (whose name means, “Who is like God?” is the chief
angelic warrior for God (cf. Dan. 10, Jude 1:9, Rev. 12) He is also the principal
angelic defender of the Church.
Angels ministered to Christ in the desert (Mt. 4:11), and in his agony in the
Garden (Lk.22:43).
Angels were witnesses to Christ’s resurrection (Jn.20:12-13).
Angels surround the throne of God and give him constant praise and glory
(Dan.6:9-10, (Book of Revelation).
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Ecumenical Councils
There are three principal sources of ecclesiastical authority on the angels: the Fourth
Lateran Council (1215 AD), the First Vatican Council (1870) and the Second Vatican
Council (1964).
The 4th Lateran Council taught:
 God is the creator of all things, visible and invisible, spiritual and corporeal, who,
by His almighty power from the very beginning of time has created both orders of
creation in the same way out of nothing, the spiritual or angelic world and the
corporeal or visible universe.
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Afterwards He formed the creature man, who in a way belongs to both
orders, as he is composed of spirit and body.
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The devil and other demons were created by God good according to
their nature, but they made themselves evil by their own doing.
The First Vatican Council repeated the teaching of Fourth Lateran.
The Second Vatican Council
Among other statements, the faithful are told that, "the Church has always believed that
the Apostles and Christ's martyrs, who gave the supreme richness of faith and charity
by the shedding of their blood, are closely united with the Blessed Virgin Mary and the
holy angels, with a special love, and has asked piously for the help of their intercessor"
(Lumen Gentium, 50).
The Catechism of The Catholic Church
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In the meantime, the whole life of the Church benefits from the mysterious and
powerful help of angels. CCC 334
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In her liturgy, the Church joins with the angels to adore the thrice-holy God. She
invokes their assistance (in the funeral liturgy's “May the angels lead you into
Paradise. . ."). CCC 335
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From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care
and intercession. "Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and
shepherd leading him to life." CCC 336
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Angels are spiritual creatures who glorify God without ceasing and who serve his
saving plans for other creatures: "The angels work together for the benefit of us
all" (St. Thomas Aquinas, STh I, 114, 3, ad 3). CCC 350
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The angels surround Christ their Lord. They serve him especially in the
accomplishment of his saving mission to men. CCC 351
The Mass
I have already mentioned the reference to angels in our Creed.
If you pay close attention to the Eucharistic Prayers you will also observe our
participation with angels.
Preface to Eucharistic Prayer (EP) I:
And so, with Angels and Archangels,
with Thrones and Dominions,
and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven,
we sing the hymn of your glory,
as without end we acclaim:
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts
Preface EP II:
And so we join the angels and saints in proclaiming your glory:
Preface EP IV
Countless hosts of angels stand before you to do your will; they look upon your
splendor and praise you, night and day. United with them, and in the name of
every creature under heaven, we too praise your glory as we say:
EP I
Almighty God, we pray that your angel may take this sacrifice to your altar in
heaven.
Angelology 101
Let us discuss some “angel” basics
What is the meaning of the word "angel"?
The word "angel", from the Greek angelos, means "one who is sent" or a "messenger."
What is an angel?
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An angel is a spiritual creature, especially one in heavenly glory, who is
superior to human beings and often commissioned by God for certain duties on
earth.
As explained by St. Augustine, "the name angel belongs to his office,
not to his nature. You ask what is the name of his nature. He is a spirit. You ask
what is the name of his office. He is an angel."
What is the meaning of "angel" in Catholic theology?
In Catholic theology the term "angel" refers to all spiritual creatures whether in
glory with God or eternally separate from God in hell. We may therefore define
angels as purely spiritual created substances.
Facts or Fiction?
Fiction: All angels are wonderful and will help us humans.
Fact: Some are, some aren't. Some do, some don't.
Heavenly angels—"good angels"—are enjoying great popularity these days, but their
counterparts—"bad angels"—tend to be forgotten or dismissed as primitive superstition
or childish fairy tales.
The Church teaches that not all angels chose to do God's will. "'The devil and other
demons were indeed created naturally good by God, but they became evil by their own
doing,"' the Catechism says (no. 391), quoting from the writings of the Fourth Lateran
Council (held in the year 1215).
Some angels sinned. We don't know exactly what they did wrong, but their "fall" was a
result of radically and irrevocably rejecting God and His reign.
And since the beginning of humanity's time on earth, the devil— immortal and powerful,
but not all-powerful like God—has been encouraging human beings to also reject their
Creator.
Fiction: When humans, especially young children, die and go to heaven, they become
angels.
Fact: Angels and humans are separate and different beings. Angels are 100 percent
spirits; humans are both spirit (soul) and body. A human being's soul is immortal; his or
her body dies. When the soul leaves the body at death, it is not transformed somehow
into an angel.
How many angels are there?
We don’t know but their number is felt to be exceedingly vast.
Traditionally, angels are said to be divided into various "choirs."
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The angels are not all created equally, and based on their degree of knowledge, love of
God, and type of service, the angels are categorized into three hierarchies, each
containing three different orders, making nine different choirs (Dates back to Lateran
council):
1st Hierarchy is known as the Councillors of God. These angels have no direct contact
with mankind; they are the angels of God's Presence
 Seraphim
 Cherubim
 Thrones
The highest in the Choir of Seraphim must have been the most brilliant, most perfect
and glorious creature of the spirit world, a bearer of light and beauty, the ideal of
creation.
According to Sacred Scripture the apostasy of the fallen Angels must be attributed to
one of the most exalted spirits. He sinned by pride and seduced the others by his
example and his lies.
Sacred Tradition recognizes Lucifer as the name of the principal fallen angel who must
lament the loss of his original glory bright as the morning star.
In Christian tradition this meaning of Lucifer has prevailed; however, the Fathers
maintain that Lucifer is not the proper name of the devil, but denotes only the state from
which he has fallen.
CCC
II. THE FALL OF THE ANGELS (Satan)
391 Scripture and the Church's Tradition see in this being a fallen angel, called "Satan"
or the "devil".
The Church teaches that Satan was at first a good angel, made by God: "The devil and
the other demons were indeed created naturally good by God, but they became evil by
their own doing."
392 Scripture speaks of a sin of these angels. 2 Peter 2:4.This "fall" consists in the free
choice of these created spirits, who radically and irrevocably rejected God and his reign.
We find a reflection of that rebellion in the tempter's words to our first parents: "You will
be like God." Gen 3:5 The devil "has sinned from the beginning"; he is "a liar and the
father of lies". 1 John 3:8; John 8:44
393 It is the irrevocable character of their choice, and not a defect in the infinite divine
mercy, that makes the angels' sin unforgivable. "There is no repentance for the angels
after their fall, just as there is no repentance for men after death." St John Damascene
395 The power of Satan is, nonetheless, not infinite. He is only a creature, powerful
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from the fact that he is pure spirit, but still a creature. He cannot prevent the building up
of God's reign. Although Satan may act in the world out of hatred for God and his
kingdom in Christ Jesus, and although his action may cause grave injuries - of a
spiritual nature and, indirectly, even of a physical nature- to each man and to society,
the action is permitted by divine providence which with strength and gentleness guides
human and cosmic history. It is a great mystery that providence should permit diabolical
activity, but "we know that in everything God works for good with those who love him."
Rom 8:28
We take the presence and power of Satan seriously. We continue to ask the candidates
in our Baptismal liturgy, "Do you reject Satan? And all his works? And all his empty
promises?" We must make the rejection every day. If Satan tempted our Lord in the
desert, he surely will tempt us. He knows how we are weak and when we are
vulnerable. St. Peter warned, "Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling
like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Pt 5:8). Moreover, when we do
commit sin, we must sincerely repent of it and seek forgiveness, never allowing Satan to
gain a foothold into our lives.
Archbishop Fulton Sheen provided us with a keen insight into Satan: "Do not mock the
Gospels and say there is no Satan. Evil is too real in the world to say that. Do not say
the idea of Satan is dead and gone. Satan never gains so many cohorts, as when, in his
shrewdness, he spreads the rumor that he is long since dead. Do not reject the Gospel
because it says the Savior was tempted. Satan always tempts the pure — the others
are already his. Satan stations more devils on monastery walls than in dens of iniquity,
for the latter offer no resistance. Do not say it is absurd that Satan should appear to our
Lord, for Satan must always come close to the godly and the strong — the others
succumb from a distance."
2nd Hierachy is known as the Governors for they regulate the forces of nature
 Dominations or Dominions
 Virtues
 Powers
3rd Hierarchy is known as the Messengers of God for these angels minister directly to
Man.
 Principalities or Princedoms
 Archangels
 Angels
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The First Hierarchy
 The Seraphim are absorbed in perpetual love and adoration immediately around
the throne of God.
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The Cherubim represent Divine Wisdom,
They should possess six or four blue wings and they often stand upon a wheel,
referring to the origin of their name, which is from a Hebrew word meaning a
chariot.
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The Thrones uphold the Seat of God, and can be portrayed kneeling in
adoration, holding a miniature throne in their hands
The Second Hierarchy
 The Dominations/Dominions are crowned, carry scepters, swords, and
sometimes orbs, as emblems of authority, representing the Power of God.
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The Virtues carry white lilies, or sometimes red roses as symbols of Christ's
Passion.
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The Powers are often dressed in full armor as victorious warriors against the
hordes of evil devils.
The Third Hierarchy
 The Principalities or Princedoms are the dispensers of the fate of nations.
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The Archangels are the warriors of heaven, and are dressed in full armor, with a
shield and sword always pointed upwards.
The three archangels who appear in art are St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael.
The symbol for St. Michael is a shield with the symbol of the Trinity.
He is portrayed as young and beautiful, clad in shining armor with a sword, shield and
spear. St. Michael is usually portrayed in the act of slaying a dragon or driving Satan
from heaven.
He is the Prince-Patron of the Church Militant, and Captain-General of the Celestial
Hosts"
St. Gabriel is the loveliest angel depicted in art. As the angel of the Annunciation, he
wears long white robes, bears a lily and a scroll with Ave Maria, Gratia Plena
("Hail Mary, full of grace") His symbol is the fleur-de-lis.
St. Raphael’s symbols are the staff, pouch and fish
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Angels and Art
We must remember that the artistic renderings of angels with wings are not actually
what they look like. They are pure spirits, meaning they have no bodies. Wings are
depicted on angels because it implies their swiftness and speed in sending messages
between God and man.
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The Angels
Although all are called "angels" it is usually from the lower choir of Angels that Guardian
Angels are chosen
It was St. Basil the Great (who died in A.D. 379) who said, "Beside each believer stands
an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life."
Guardian Angels
The angel most pertinent to our spiritual lives is our guardian angel. Every person is
given a guardian angel because as Eusebius puts it: "Fearing lest sinful mankind should
be without government and without guidance, like herds of cattle, God gave them
protectors and superintendents, the holy angels in the form of captains and shepherds"
(Dem. Ev., 4, 6).
We are never without our protector, and the more we request their help, the more he
can help us.
A guardian angel's roles are threefold:
1) angel of peace
2) angel of penitence (or penance)
3) angel of prayer.
As an angel of peace, they protect against danger, both bodily and spiritual threats.
They also can give peace and comfort to the soul when undergoing tribulations, like
Jesus during his agony in the Garden.
As an angel of penance or penitence, our angel has the office of chastising and
correcting us when we stray from God's path. The angel also helps us in restoring our
soul to health after we sin, helping us obtaining remission of our sins.
As an angel of prayer, the guardian angel presents our prayers to God, both liturgical
and private prayers.
More questions
How did some of the angels sin?
The Church's tradition tells us they sinned by pride and envy. This was the primary sin
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of the angels. It was the sin of a spiritual being, since the angels have no bodies. The
angels sinned because they refused to God as their Creator.
However, the angels also sinned by envy. They coveted the Divine excellence.
We may also say they envied human beings who, they understood, would also reach
heavenly beatitude.
What was the damnation of the unfaithful angels?
Basically it was, and is, eternal separation from God. What our faith tells us is that the
punishment of the angels is the same as that of human beings who die unrepentant of
their grave sins.
What are the offices of the good angels?
They have a variety of offices or responsibilities: with relation to God, to Jesus
Christ, to one another, and to the human race:
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With regard to God, their office is to praise, bless, adore, and respond with
perfect obedience to the will of God.
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Toward Jesus Christ, their office is to serve Him, even as man, as declared by
St. Paul, "let all the angels of God adore Him" (Hebrews 1:6).
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Among the angels themselves, the office of the superior is to enlighten those who
are lesser.
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The angelic office towards human beings includes both directly spiritual interests
and those material needs which are related to our heavenly destiny.
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Moreover, the angels' guardianship is over the whole human race. Under this
providence are included believers and unbelievers, including those who have
not reached the use of reason and, in fact, have not yet been born.
In God's permissive providence, what is the activity of the fallen angels towards human
beings?
Temptations by the devil are only one, although the most common, form of demonic
assault which is permitted by God. The three basic ways in which devils assault human
beings are by temptation, obsession and magic.
What then can we say is the summary of the Church's teaching on the existence of the
angels?
This teaching tells us that the angels did not always exist. They had to be
created by God out of nothing, by His almighty loving power. They were created before
the human race. They were all created good. Some of the angels fell from divine
friendship by their disobedience and became demons.
Why did God create the angels?
God created the world for His glory. He wants to be glorified by intelligent beings
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endowed with a mind and free will.
Jesus:
"With their whole beings the angels are servants and messengers of God. Because they
'always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven' they are the 'mighty ones who
do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word' (Mt 18:10; Ps 103:20).
The angels play a major role in the history of God's dealing with the human race.
From the dawn of creation when the evil spirit successfully tempted our first parents, to
the Incarnation announced by the angel Gabriel, angelic spirits are an essential part of
Messianic history.
Since the coming of Christ, angels are more than ever the messengers of the Good
News, which they first announced to the shepherds at Bethlehem.
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