Doctrine, tradition and legend combine to form angel lore

Angels are all around us, or so it would seem. There are t-shirts, mugs, pins, books, prints and a lot of other merchandise depicting angels.

Throughout Church history, there has also been an inundation of angel lore, part scriptural, part traditional and part legendary. The Evangelist has compiled the following cornucopia of angel information:

* The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the existence of angels is a truth of faith: "The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls `angels' is a truth of faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition." (See separate article.)

* According to "The Catholic Source Book," published in 1970, angels are "heavenly beings, sexless, of a fixed population, who neither marry or are given in marriage; distinct from saints (which human beings may become); mentioned nearly 300 times in the Bible."

* A Catholic Encyclopedia published by Our Sunday Visitor defines angels as "pure created spirits without bodies who have keen intellects and resolute wills. Angels were created good by God. Some, now called the devils, disobeyed God and now make their home in hell; they tempt humans to commit sin. The good angels continue to serve God and to act as His messengers to humankind. There are nine choirs of angels: seraphim, cherubim, thrones, dominations, virtues, powers, principalities, archangels, and angels."

* Each of the choirs or classes of angels have different duties. According to "The Catholic Source Book," angels have various symbols including musical instruments, scrolls and passion emblems.

Archangels are the chief angels found in the New Testament twice. They are messengers from God in significant matters. Principalities carry scepters with which they direct God's commands. It is believed that each country is assigned to a specific principality.

Powers are depicted with swords. They are also able to restrain evil spirits. The virtues dispense celestial miracles and accomplish stupendous works.

Dominations are movers of stars and planets. Thrones are depicted in a kneeling posture of adoration.

Cherubim are angels of wisdom, and are guardians and protectors stationed in Eden. Seraphim are shown with six red wings and eyes, have a burning zeal and love for the Trinity.

* "The Catholic Source Book" states there are three triads of hierarchy for angels. Counselors, or angels of the presence, are seraphim, cherubim, and thrones. Governors, or angels over forces of nature, are dominations, virtues and powers. Messengers are angels who minister directly to people. They are the principalities, archangels and angels.

* There are seven archangels, states "The Catholic Source Book." Only the first three can be found in Scripture; the others derive from apocryphal literature. They are: St. Michael, whose name means "who is like God"; St. Gabriel, "God is my strength"; St. Raphael, "God is my health"; Uriel, "God is my light"; Jophiel, "the beauty of God"; Chamael, the angel of God's wrath; Zadkiel which means "the righteousness of God"; and Jophkiel, "the purity of God."

(08-14-97) [[In-content Ad]]