How often do we stop to remember the heavenly companion God has given each of us? Most Catholics probably learned the familiar Angel of God prayer as children, but how many of us have continued to cultivate a relationship with our guardian angel as we’ve grown older?
That is the question I found myself considering while reading Patrick O’Hearn’s beautiful new book, Angel of God: Devotion to the Guardian Angels for Children.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Patrick for my Say Yes to Holiness podcast and hearing the story behind this book, including the family prayer that helped inspire its creation. Our conversation deepened my appreciation for what Patrick has accomplished: creating a children’s devotional that not only introduces young readers to their guardian angels but also invites the entire family to grow in awareness of God’s loving care.
One of the things I appreciated most about this book is Patrick’s brilliant presentation of the seven ways our guardian angels watch over us. Rather than simply telling children that they have a guardian angel who protects them, he helps them discover what that protection and guidance actually look like throughout their lives.
We are reminded that our guardian angels are not simply heavenly companions who keep us safe from physical harm. They also help us resist temptation, grow in virtue, prepare to receive the sacraments, and turn toward God during times of suffering. Their mission is ultimately to help us become holy and reach our eternal home in Heaven.
And what a beautiful reminder that is for adults as well!
Another aspect of the book that I absolutely loved was Valerie Delgado’s gorgeous illustrations. They are not simply decorative additions to the text. Each illustration brings to life the spiritual realities Patrick describes, helping readers—especially children—imagine and appreciate the loving presence of their guardian angels. The artwork beautifully complements the seven ways our angels watch over us, making these often unseen spiritual realities more accessible and memorable.
I found myself lingering over the illustrations, appreciating how the combination of words and images communicates profound truths about God’s love and providence in a way that even young children can understand.
The inclusion of traditional prayers, along with four original prayers composed by Fr. Ambrose Criste, provides another wonderful dimension to the book. Patrick doesn’t simply want children to learn about their guardian angels. He wants them to develop an actual devotion to them, learning to seek their assistance, express gratitude for their protection, and recognize their presence throughout daily life.
This is what makes Angel of God so much more than another beautifully illustrated children’s book.
It is a resource for cultivating the spiritual life of an entire family.
I can easily envision parents and grandparents reading this book with children, pausing to admire the illustrations, discussing the different ways guardian angels assist us, and then praying together. What a wonderful opportunity to help children develop an awareness of the supernatural world while simultaneously renewing that awareness within ourselves!
Indeed, one of my strongest impressions after reading the book was that its subtitle, Devotion to the Guardian Angels for Children, doesn’t fully capture the breadth of its potential impact. Although it is clearly written and illustrated with children in mind, its message is one that adults need to hear just as much.
We all need to be reminded that God has not left us to navigate the challenges, temptations, sufferings, and uncertainties of life alone.
We have been given a heavenly companion whose mission is to help us grow closer to God.
And perhaps that is what I appreciated most about Patrick’s book. It encourages us to move beyond simply knowing that guardian angels exist toward developing a genuine relationship with these extraordinary companions whom God has entrusted with our care.
I wholeheartedly recommend Angel of God to parents, grandparents, godparents, catechists, and anyone seeking a meaningful gift for a child preparing to receive the sacraments. But I would also encourage adults to spend time with this beautiful book themselves.
Patrick O’Hearn and Valerie Delgado have created something special: a devotional that delights the eyes, engages the imagination, nourishes the soul, and invites the entire family into a deeper appreciation of God’s providential love.
We never walk alone. And what a difference it might make in our daily lives if we remembered that more often!