Antiphon of the Holy Guardian Angels — Sancti Angeli, custodes nostri
The Antiphon of the Magnificat at Second Vespers of the Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels (2 October), Liturgy of the Hours. A brief medieval formula asking the guardian angels for defence at the hour of death and judgement. The feast of the Guardian Angels was extended to the universal Church by Paul V (1608) and raised to a double major rite by Clement X (1670).
Holy Angels, our guardians, defend us in battle, that we may not perish in the dreadful judgement.
V. He hath given his Angels charge over thee.
R. To keep thee in all thy ways.
Let us pray
O God, who in your ineffable providence deign to send your holy Angels to watch over us, grant your suppliants that we may always be defended by their protection and may deserve to share in their eternal fellowship. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
In Latin
Sancti Angeli, custodes nostri, defendite nos in proelio, ut non pereamus in tremendo iudicio.
V. Angelis suis Deus mandavit de te.
R. Ut custodiant te in omnibus viis tuis.
Oremus.
Deus, qui ineffabili providentia sanctos Angelos tuos ad nostram custodiam mittere dignaris, largire supplicibus tuis et eorum semper protectione defendi, et aeterna societate gaudere. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.