Course 1, Chapter 15: Knowledge of the Angels

1. In what are the angels superior to men?

The angels are superior to men in knowledge and power. They know much better than we the things that are known by us. They know many things which we do not know; and they can do many things which are impossible to us.

2. In what state were the angels created?

All the angels were created in a state of innocence and sanctity, but this happy state did not render them impeccable; the eternal enjoyment of God was to be the reward of their fidelity. Some of them refused

to humble themselves before God, and were changed into devils.

3. What is the occupation of the devils or bad angels?

The occupation of the bad angels is to tempt men, and to do us all the harm they can, as we see in the case of the holy man Job. The devil, however, can do us no harm without the permission of God. He permits him to tempt us in order to try our virtue, but lie gives us all the graces necessary to triumph over his attacks.

4. Are there different grades of good angels?

Among the good angels there are different grades. They are divided into three hierarchies, which contain each three orders; these nine orders are called the nine choirs of angels. . The first hierarchy embraces the Thrones, the Cherubim and the Seraphim; the second embraces the Powers, the Virtues and the Dominations; the third embraces the Angels, the Archangels and the Principalities.

5. What are the duties of the good angels?

The first duty of the good angels is to adore and praise God. St. John represents them to us as prostrate with respect before the throne of his divine Majesty, repeating without ceasing these words: Holy, holy, holt/, Lord God Almighty, ncho was, and who is, and who is to come.

6. What is the second duty of the good angels?

Th(3 second duty of the good angels is to preside over the government of the visible and invisible world, and execute the orders of God with regard to man. It is by the ministry of angels that the great events of the Old and New Testament have been accomplished.

7. What is the third duty of the good angels?

The third duty of the good angels is to watch over and guard the universal church. The holy father? teach us that millions of angels environ the •heepfoUl of Jesus Christ, to defend it in the continual

G6 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

war it sustains from the bad angels. They watch ovei and protect kingdoms and empires. The Scripture speaks of the angel guardian of the Persians and the Greeks, and the holy fathers tell us that each church has not only a bishop but also an angel for its protector.

8. What is the fourth duty of the good angels?

The fourth duty of the good angels is to watch over each one of us. At the first moment of our existence, an angel comes to place himself at our side, to defend us and conduct us to heaven. He presents to God our prayers and our good works, and prays for us.

9. What must we conclude from the work of the six days?

We must conclude: 1 st. That God is truly powerful, truly wise and truly good. 2d. That man is truly a great being, since all the inferior creatures were made only in reference to him, and that even the angels labor continually for him. 3d. That we ought to love God, use all things for his glory and to have a great respect for ourselves. 4th. That we ought to observe the Sunday with great fidelity.