There is a persistent error among many Catholics when it comes to their guardian angels: trying to discover their name or identity, or assigning a name to them.
This is a bad idea for four big reasons.
1. Angels in the Bible declined to give their names when asked.
God created a multitude of angels—more than we can count—yet He has given mankind the names of only three angels in Sacred Scripture: St. Gabriel, St. Michael, and St. Raphael.
Since this is all that God has chosen to reveal, we have no reason to insist on knowing the names of our guardian angels.
In fact, Sacred Scripture—for example, in Jacob’s wrestling match with the angel in Genesis—offers accounts of human beings trying to learn the names of angels to no avail. In the case of Gabriel, Michael, and Raphael, God chose to reveal their names—they were not requested by human beings
2. To name something is to claim authority over it—and we have no authority over angels.
The act of naming carries great significance. To name something is to claim authority over it.
In the Garden of Eden, God gave Adam dominion over the animals. As an exercise of Adam’s authority, God brought the animals to Adam so that he could give them a suitable name.
However, God only brought Adam the creatures that were of a lower nature than humans (or of the same nature, as in the case of Eve). God did not bring Adam creatures that were of a higher nature than humans, that is, the bodiless spirits.
Therefore, it is not within our authority to give names to, or find out the names of, creatures that are of a higher created order than us.
3. Fallen angels can interfere in our attempt to learn the names of guardian angels.
When we attempt to discover the name of our guardian angel, we immediately start looking for signals that our angel is trying to answer us with a specific name.
Or we say, “The name ‘Fred’ popped into my head, so I knew it was my angel’s name!”
Both of these examples are unwise.
We can mistake many things for “signals” that are nothing of the sort, and in the end, we are only deluding ourselves.
In the same way, just because a name pops into our head doesn’t mean it belongs to our angel. Our brains are active and full of imagination and stream of consciousness. There is no guarantee that an idea is inspired by your guardian angel.
4. The Church told us not to.
There is one final reason why we should not name our angels: the Church warns against this practice for our own protection.
If a demon sees that we are trying to discover the name of our guardian angel, and knows the kinds of things we will mistake as signs (they are brilliant deceivers), they can send us false signals. If they observe that we are following their deception, they can lead us far astray.
Though we shouldn’t name our guardian angels, we should become acquainted with them! Seek the guidance of your guardian angel daily through prayer, learn how to love him and follow his lead!
Invoking your guardian angel often is a great way to build your friendship with him. Small reminders of his presence can help you remember to talk to him frequently! This lovely Guardian Angel Porcelain Night Lamp—with its warm light and beautiful traditional imagery—will fit well in any room and is the perfect reminder of your guardian angel’s companionship and protection. Get yours today at The Catholic Company!
FAQs
According to the day and month you were born you can find out who is the angel who takes care of your path. There are a total of 72 angels for the 12 months of the year and each of us has one, who guides and helps to resist in life. Which is your guardian angel according to the day you were born.
Do Catholics know their guardian angel's name? ›
The Church told us not to.
Though we shouldn't name our guardian angels, we should become acquainted with them! Seek the guidance of your guardian angel daily through prayer, learn how to love him and follow his lead! Invoking your guardian angel often is a great way to build your friendship with him.
Should I talk to my guardian angel? ›
God wants us to be happy and to enjoy our lives but we need to listen to our guardian angel. Angels love to teach and are brilliant teachers. If you are willing and open to learn, they will teach you how to communicate with them. One of the great things about angels is that they never give up.
How are guardian angels assigned to you? ›
The Lord has not revealed whether one specific angel is assigned to watch over each person, but you can be assured that divine protection and comfort are available. If you exercise faith, you will have God's help, including angels sent to strengthen and comfort you and give you courage to do what is right.
How do you know what your angels are telling you? ›
The best way to tell whether these experiences are truly signs from your angels or mere coincidence is to pay attention to how you feel. A sign from your angels will always have a strong feeling attached to it, like a heightened sense of awareness or a strong feeling that someone is trying to tell you something.
How do I find my archangel? ›
You can call on an archangel or your guardian angel with a simple prayer. Your sincere desire to connect is all that is required. For example, you can say, “Thank you, Archangel Michael, for helping me through this scary situation. I welcome your protection and guidance.”
Does everyone have one guardian angel? ›
Hanner, a Methodist minister and theologian, wrote on the topic of guardian angels in his Angelic Study, stating that: Perhaps every Christian has a guardian angel. It may be that there is one angel to every Christian, or a score of them; or one may have charge of a score of Christians.
Can I call someone my angel? ›
You can call someone you like very much an angel in order to show affection, especially when they have been kind to you or done you a favour. Thank you a thousand times, you're an angel. If you describe someone as an angel, you mean that they seem to be very kind and good.
What does the Bible say about guardian angels? ›
In the Old Testament, there are numerous examples of angels of the Lord that are sent to guard and protect humanity. The Psalmist proclaims in Psalm 91: “For he commands his angels with regard to you, to guard you wherever you go. With their hands they shall support you, lest you strike your foot against a stone.”
How many angels does each person have? ›
Names of angels, such as Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, signify a particular angelic function rather than an individual being. While living in one's body an individual has conjunction with heaven through the angels, and with each person, there are at least two evil spirits and two angels.
Amen. Holy Guardian Angel, you were given to me at the beginning of my life as a protector and companion. Poor sinner that I am, I, (name) want to consecrate myself to you today in the presence of my Lord and God, Mary, my Celestial Mother, and all the angels and saints.
Are we allowed to talk to angels? ›
Yes, we can talk to angels, but angels usually make their appearance known to us because God has a message for us or if significant moments were about to happen according to God's purposes, not whenever we want them to appear.
How do I connect with my angel? ›
In addition to meditation, other mindful practices, such as deep breathing, can create the space you need to let these spiritual relationships unfold. You don't have to do anything other than trust the process.
What is my guardian angel? ›
Your guardian angel is your protector, and they can absorb your emotions to help you through difficult times. In the low moments of life, when we feel immense grief or despair, we can get the sense that there's a presence with us — even if that sense is very subtle. That feeling is the presence of our guardian angel.
What is my angel number by name? ›
Determine your angel number with your name.
Add together the numbers that make up your first, middle, and last name—chances are, you'll get a double digit number. From there, add together the 2 digits in the double digit number, which gives you your personal angel number.
