I mentioned earlier that today the liturgy invites us to remember the holy archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Each of them, as we read in the Bible, carried out a particular mission in the history of salvation. Dear brothers and sisters, let us confidently invoke their help, as well as the protection of the Guardian Angels, whose feast we will celebrate in a few days, on 2 October. The invisible presence of these blessed spirits is of great help and comfort to us: they walk at our side and protect us in all circumstances, they defend us from dangers and we can turn to them at any time. Many saints had a relationship of true friendship with the Angels, and there are numerous episodes that testify to their assistance on particular occasions. Angels are sent by God "to serve those who will inherit salvation", as the Letter to the Hebrews (1:14) reminds us, and are therefore of valuable assistance to us on our earthly pilgrimage to the heavenly homeland.

[Pope Benedict, Castel Gandolfo, greeting 29 September 2008]