How often do we remember the heavenly companion God has given us? On this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina Semmens welcomes author Patrick O’Hearn to discuss Angel of God: Devotion to the Guardian Angels for Children. Patrick shares his faith journey and the family prayer that inspired this beautifully illustrated devotional. Together, they explore how guardian angels help us resist temptation, grow in virtue, prepare for the sacraments, and turn toward God in suffering. They also discuss Valerie Delgado’s illustrations, four original prayers by Fr. Ambrose Criste, and why this children’s book can nourish adults’ prayer lives too. The conversation offers simple ways for families to grow in gratitude, prayer, and awareness of God’s loving care.
Key takeaways
- Angelic protection points toward holiness. Patrick emphasizes that guardian angels’ care extends beyond physical safety to helping us turn away from sin and journey toward heaven.
- Begin with a simple, faithful practice. The familiar “Angel of God” prayer and brief conversations can help us remember our guardian angel throughout the day.
- Bring this devotion into sacramental life. Ask for help preparing for Confession, bring your intentions to Mass, and grow in gratitude for the gift of the Eucharist.
- Receive God’s love before striving for perfection. Patrick reflects on learning to believe that God loves us now, and responding to that love rather than waiting until we feel worthy.
- Beauty can help families pray. Scripture, accounts from saints, illustrations, and accessible prayers offer children—and adults—ways to reflect on spiritual realities.
- Make room to listen. Patrick’s practice of Scripture meditation reminds us that prayer includes quiet attention to God, even during seasons of dryness.
Suggested Resolutions
Choose one of the following to practice intentionally this week:
1. Restore a family prayer habit. Pray “Angel of God” each morning or evening, thanking God for His loving care.
2. Ask for help with one virtue. When a familiar temptation appears, pause and ask your guardian angel’s assistance in choosing patience, humility, purity, or another needed virtue.
3. Prepare for the sacraments with intention. Before your next Mass or Confession, ask for help with attention, gratitude, and an honest examination of conscience.
4. Let an image lead to conversation. Share one illustration from the book with a child or grandchild and discuss what it reveals about God’s care.
5. Listen for five quiet minutes. Read a short Scripture passage, put away distractions, and spend a few minutes listening rather than doing all the talking in prayer.
Chapters
00:00 — Welcome and introduction to Angel of God
01:05 — Patrick’s faith journey: Catholic upbringing, discernment, marriage, and ministry
03:49 — The purpose of the book and its place in a children’s devotional series
04:54 — A family prayer tradition and gratitude for angelic protection
06:53 — Guardian angels’ roles and our relationship with them
09:58 — Spiritual protection, resisting temptation, and growing in virtue
11:49 — Gratitude for Holy Communion and seeking consolation in suffering
14:02 — A children’s book that can also speak to adults
14:27 — Where to begin: daily prayer and simple conversation
17:08 — Scripture, saints’ experiences, and receiving God’s love
20:27 — Valerie Delgado’s illustrations and making spiritual truths accessible
23:14 — Four original prayers by Fr. Ambrose Criste
24:44 — Patrick’s hope for children and families
26:59— The challenge of writing faithfully and honestly for children
29:07 — How writing the book deepened Patrick’s own devotion
30:43 — Scripture meditation, perseverance, and listening in prayer
33:40 — Patrick’s website, A Tale of the Sanctuary Lamp, ministry resources, and closing encouragement
Books and resources
Angel of God: Devotion to the Guardian Angels for Children — Sophia Institute Press
Patrick O’Hearn’s website — books and speaking
Did I Meet My Son’s Guardian Angel? — Patrick’s article mentioned in the conversation
Stewardship: A Mission of Faith — ministry resources
A Tale of the Sanctuary Lamp — Ave Lamb
Prayer to Your Guardian Angel — USCCB
Chaplet of St. Michael the Archangel — EWTN
What Your Guardian Angel Is Actually Doing for You — Fr. Ambrose Criste, St. Michael’s Abbey
