At the end of today’s general audience, which gathered more than 15,000 people in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope reminded the faithful that on Oct. 2 the Church celebrates the memorial of the Guardian Angels.
This celebration encourages us «to think of these heavenly protectors that God’s provident care has put next to each person,» the Holy Father said.
Then, addressing young people in particular, the Pope said: «let yourselves be led by the angels, so that your life will be a faithful living of the divine commandments.»
Later, seeing several people in wheelchairs at the audience, John Paul II addressed the sick so that «helped by the guardian angels, you will unite your sufferings to those of Christ for the spiritual renewal of the whole society.»
Several newlyweds, dressed in their wedding clothes, were on hand to see the Pope. John Paul II encouraged them to appeal «frequently to your guardian angels so that your family will be a place of mutual understanding and increasing unity in Christ.»
The memorial of the Guardian Angels, who are referred to in many passages of the Old and New Testament, was already celebrated in the year 800 in England. It became a feast for the universal Church in 1608.
