Invoke Your Guardian Angel: Lessons from Saint Padre Pio and Saint John Vianney

The beautiful words of Saint Padre Pio and Saint John Vianney reveal a beautiful truth about our spiritual journey—each one of us is accompanied by a celestial guardian. These beloved saints teach us that angels are always with us, guiding us and leading us to a deeper relationship with God. Let us draw inspiration from their teachings to invoke our guardian angels for help and guidance at all times, and learn how to imitate them in our daily lives.

A Constant Companion: Padre Pio’s Insight

Saint Padre Pio, known for his mystical experiences and deep devotion, shared a comforting truth about our guardian angels: “How consoling it is to know that we have a spirit who, from the womb to the tomb, never leaves us even for an instant, not even when we dare to sin. And this heavenly spirit guides and protects us like a friend, a brother.”

Padre Pio’s words remind us that our guardian angel is our constant companion—a heavenly friend who never abandons us, even when we falter. This divine presence is a reflection of God’s unending love for us, ensuring we are never alone in our struggles. Padre Pio himself had a deep devotion to his guardian angel, often turning to his angel for assistance, especially when facing difficult situations. He encouraged everyone to rely on their guardian angel in times of need and to recognize the closeness of this heavenly protector.

To live like Padre Pio means to cultivate a strong relationship with our guardian angel, inviting them into every aspect of our lives. Whether in moments of joy or in times of suffering, we can call upon our angel for comfort, guidance, and strength. This deep sense of companionship can provide us with a deep sense of peace, knowing that God has assigned a protector to care for us.

Imitating the Angels: Saint John Vianney’s Wisdom

Saint John Vianney, the humble Curé of Ars, who is celebrated as the patron saint of parish priests, also spoke beautifully about the angels. He said, “The first thing about the angels that we ought to imitate, is their consciousness of the presence of God.” For John Vianney, the angels were a model of perfect love and devotion to God, always aware of His divine presence.

Imitating the angels means cultivating an awareness of God in our everyday lives. The angels stand perpetually in the presence of God, and they serve as an example of how we too should strive to live—with our hearts and minds constantly focused on God. Saint John Vianney often emphasized the importance of prayer and mindfulness of God’s presence. He believed that the more we practice this awareness, the closer we grow to God, and the more we align our will with His.

The Commonalities of Two Beloved Saints

Saint Padre Pio and Saint John Vianney had much in common—they were both known for their dedication to prayer, their mystical experiences, and their humility. Both saints had a unique closeness with their guardian angels and often spoke of them as dear friends. They were known for their ability to guide souls to God through their spiritual wisdom, and they shared a deep love for the Eucharist and for the sacrament of confession.

Both saints also suffered greatly during their lives—Padre Pio with physical ailments, including the stigmata, and John Vianney with spiritual battles and exhaustion from his endless dedication to hearing confessions. Despite their hardships, their devotion to God never wavered, and they remained steadfast in their mission to bring others closer to Him. Their relationship with their guardian angels was a source of strength and encouragement during these challenging times.

Additionally, both saints are among the incorruptibles—a term used to describe saints whose bodies have not undergone the natural process of decay, even long after death. Saint John Vianney’s incorrupt body lies in the Basilica of Ars in France, while Saint Padre Pio’s incorrupt remains are venerated at the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy. Their incorruptibility serves as a powerful testament to their holiness and the grace of God working through their lives.

Invoking Your Guardian Angel

These saints remind us that our guardian angel is not just a distant figure but a loyal friend who desires to guide us to God. Here are some ways you can invoke your guardian angel and imitate the angels in your life:

1. Begin Your Day with Your Angel: Start each day with a prayer to your guardian angel. Ask for guidance, protection, and the grace to do God’s will throughout the day. This sets the tone for a day lived in God’s presence.
2. Conscious Awareness of God: Just as Saint John Vianney suggested, strive to be aware of God’s presence throughout your day. Whether you’re working, relaxing, or spending time with loved ones, remember that God is with you. Invite your guardian angel to help you maintain this awareness, especially when distractions or worries arise.
3. Turn to Your Angel in Difficult Moments: When you feel anxious, confused, or in need of help, remember Padre Pio’s example and turn to your guardian angel. Trust that your angel is there to comfort and guide you. No problem is too big or too small for your heavenly friend.
4. Practice Gratitude: Your guardian angel is always serving you, so remember to thank them for their constant care. A simple “thank you” to your angel is a beautiful act of gratitude that can deepen your relationship.
5. Imitate the Angels in Their Worship: Angels are beings of perfect worship and love. Set aside time for prayer, adoration, and reflection. Spend time in front of the Blessed Sacrament, as both saints did, and offer your heart to God in love and adoration.

A Call to Imitate the Angels

The examples of Saint Padre Pio and Saint John Vianney invite us to live in close friendship with our guardian angels. They remind us that, despite life’s challenges, we are never alone—God, in His infinite love, has given us a heavenly companion who remains by our side from our first breath to our last. By invoking our guardian angels and striving to imitate their awareness of God, we can grow in holiness and live a life that is more deeply united with God.

May the words of these two beloved saints inspire us to seek our guardian angels’ guidance every day and to live in the awareness of God’s presence, just as the angels do. In doing so, we will find a bountiful source of strength, comfort, and divine love, helping us journey ever closer to our Heavenly Father.