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POPE-ANGELS Sep-29-2008 (270 words) With photos. xxxi
God sends angels to help people through life, says pope
By Catholic News Service
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) -- God sends angels to help people as they make their way through life and toward eternity with God, Pope Benedict XVI said.
"The invisible presence of these blessed spirits is of great help and comfort to us: They walk alongside us and protect us in every circumstance, they defend us from dangers and we can turn to them at every moment," the pope said Sept. 29.
The pope made his remarks on the feast of the archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael as he thanked all the people who helped make his two-month stay at Castel Gandolfo peaceful and restful.
Scheduled to return to the Vatican Sept. 30, the pope thanked representatives of the Diocese of Albano, the parish in Castel Gandolfo, the city council, workers at the papal villa, the Swiss Guards, Italian police, the Vatican police and the members of Italy's air force who fly him by helicopter to and from the summer residence.
In addition to mentioning the feast of the archangels, the pope noted that Oct. 2 is the feast of the guardian angels, whose help and protection should be invoked with trust, he said.
"Many saints had a relationship of true friendship with the angels and numerous stories testify to their assistance," the pope said.
As the Letter to the Hebrews makes clear, "the angels are sent by God to serve those who will inherit salvation and, so, they are of valid assistance on our earthly pilgrimage toward our heavenly homeland," Pope Benedict said.
END
Copyright (c) 2008 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed.
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