If I remember correctly, one of the first prayers I memorized was "My Guardian Angel". I think it was my favorite prayer then as it was recited every day before dismissal. Being in a catholic school, we were taught about the concept of angels, specifically guardian angels.
A guardian angel is an angel assigned to protect and guide a particular person. Belief in guardian angels can be traced throughout all antiquity. The concept of tutelary angels and their hierarchy was extensively developed in Christianity in the 5th century by Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite. More here
The term angels, or guardian angels, is often used as metaphors too. It can be a stranger, a family member, working children, prostitutes and or even pets. Angel can be a title to anyone, depending on the term and intent.
A few years ago, I watched a documentary about angels, or women living inside the cemetery. Some parts of it you might think that it's impossible but it's actually happening. A sad dose of reality.
Cemetery Angels
Three angels from different generations
make the cemetery, their own kingdom,
a place to fulfill their special missions .
Lorena, archangel, the gray-haired one,
gathers and dissolves left-over candles,
reforms and sells, despite a hurting palm.
Lisa, seems angelic in all angles
she dances at night on top of the grave
show’s only for money, not free whistles.
Lorna, the cherubim, does always crave,
seeks for food, cries, begs for penny and gold
no time to play, two old angels to save.
Past midnight, they'll pray, that night's not too cold
and tomorrow, new kingdom will unfold.
/totomai
Lots can attest that angels really do exist. But lots of people don't believe in the existence of angels too. Debates and discussions about this subject matter will never end.
But keep in mind that there are no wrong answers on this one.
/totomai
07/25/10
