Guardian Angel – Prayer, Feast Day and Christening Gift

The guardian angel is one of the most personal symbols of faith. Many of us learn a guardian angel prayer as children, and an image of an angel is a classic christening keepsake. Here is who the guardian angel is in Christian tradition, the best-known prayers and how to choose a gift with a guardian angel. Our current selection is in guardian angel coins.

Prayer to the guardian angel

The best-known English prayer to the guardian angel is the traditional Angel of God:

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

In Poland children learn a similar short rhymed prayer, Aniele Boży, Stróżu mój ("Angel of God, my guardian"), often said with parents before sleep.

Who is the guardian angel?

In Christian tradition the guardian angel is an angel God gives to every person to protect and guide them through life. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that "from its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession", quoting St Basil: beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd.

The guardian angel in the Bible

  • Psalm 91: "he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways",
  • Gospel of Matthew: Jesus says of children that "their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father",
  • Book of Tobit: the archangel Raphael accompanies young Tobias on his journey and protects him,
  • Acts of the Apostles: an angel frees St Peter from prison.

More about the archangels: Archangel Michael – who he is, prayer, feast and the archangels.

When is the feast of the Guardian Angels?

The Catholic Church celebrates the Holy Guardian Angels on 2 October, a few days after the feast of the archangels (29 September).

How is the guardian angel depicted?

Usually as an angel with large wings watching over a child: holding its hand, sheltering it under a cloak or leading it across a narrow bridge over an abyss. That last motif, known from popular 19th-century paintings, still hangs above children's beds in many homes.

A guardian angel for a christening or communion

A guardian angel is one of the most popular gifts for a christening, as well as for first communion and confirmation. It stands for lifelong care for the child. Instead of a picture or figurine, more people now choose a silver coin with an angel:

  • it is pure silver (or gold), so it keeps lasting value,
  • it has a limited mintage, a case and a certificate, so it looks like a real keepsake,
  • years later the child receives something to keep or pass on.

More ideas: Silver coin as a gift – christening, communion, wedding.

Guardian angel coins at Magikos-Coins

From earlier, now sold-out issues, see the Angel of Faith, the Angel of Hope and Guardian Angel 2 oz. More coins with sacred motifs are in the Religious coins category.

Frequently asked questions

What is the guardian angel prayer?

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

Does everyone have a guardian angel?

According to Catholic teaching, yes – every person has a guardian angel from the beginning of life.

When is the feast of the Guardian Angels?

2 October.

What guardian angel gift should I give for a christening?

Pictures, medals and figurines are popular. A lasting keepsake with precious-metal value is a silver or gold coin with a guardian angel, in a case and with a certificate.

Summary

The guardian angel is a symbol of care that stays with us from childhood – in prayer, in a picture above the bed and in christening keepsakes. If you are looking for a gift that lasts, see religious coins at Magikos-Coins or write to us – we will help you choose.

More christening and communion keepsake ideas are in the Christening and Communion category.