Book Review: “Devotion to the Holy Angels”
“For he commands his angels with regard to you, to guard you wherever you go. With their hands they shall support you, lest you strike your foot against a stone” (Psalm 91:11–12).
Devotion to the Holy Angels is the kind of book that asks you to slow down, reflect, and savor its words rather than rush to the final page. I expected a book I could read quickly, but the Rev. Henri-Marie Boudon asked something different of me: to pay closer attention, pause to absorb his teachings, and meditate on the beautiful gift of a Guardian Angel that God has given each one of us.
A Book to Savor
I expected to devour this book within a few days — it's fewer than 200 pages, after all — but I quickly discovered it wasn't going to be a quick read. Instead, I had to take it in small doses, often pausing to take notes and rereading passages slowly and deliberately for deeper understanding. Boudon’s words gently guided and strongly challenged me to consider how I could deepen my love and devotion to my Guardian Angel and other angels.
A Lifelong Devotion to My Guardian Angel
Ever since I was a little girl, I have felt close to my Guardian Angel. As soon as I learned that I had my own God-given, constant companion to protect and guide me, I began praying to my angel regularly. My favorite prayer has always been the “Angel of God” prayer, which was also one of the first I taught my daughter because I wanted her to know and love her Guardian Angel from an early age.
Fast-forward a few decades and I still hold my Guardian Angel close to my heart. I've always pictured my angel as a motherly or grandmotherly figure who has my best interests at heart and loves me without fail. I know I can go to my heavenly companion with anything on my mind and heart. So when Boudon wrote that the angels “love us with a mother's love” and that they “keep untiring watch over everything which concerns us,” I immediately connected with his words. The sections about the angels’ protection gave me the same feelings I've always associated with my Guardian Angel: comfort, tenderness, compassion, guidance, and love.
Boudon also encouraged me to think differently about the role of my Guardian Angel during times of temptation. “St. Bernard advises us often to call to mind the presence of our Guardian Angel, in order to keep us from falling into our usual faults,” he wrote. I’ll admit that I don’t typically think of my Guardian Angel when faced with temptation, but this passage reminded me that I should take a moment to think about my heavenly companion before making a decision or taking an action that could be sinful.
Learning to Rely on Our Heavenly Companions
One of the things that surprised me most was Boudon's encouragement to have a devotion not only to our own Guardian Angels but also to the Guardian Angels of other people. He wrote, “Be devout to the Guardian Angels of your friends ... sometimes they even give you assistance which you do not receive from your own Guardian Angel.” I had never thought to ask other Guardian Angels for assistance. I assumed praying to my own Guardian Angel was enough, but Boudon’s advice opened my eyes to a beautiful new way of interceding for family members, friends, and others.
I also hadn't given much thought to my Guardian Angel's role after my death. I always assumed I would finally get to meet my angel, but I wasn't sure what would follow. “After death, the holy angels present our souls before the tribunal of God, and there defend our great eternal cause,” Boudon wrote.
What a beautiful thought! There is something deeply comforting about knowing that we are never alone — not in this life and not in death. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their [angels’] watchful care and intercession. Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life” (336).
Devotion to the Holy Angels left me with a deeper sense of gratitude for my Guardian Angel and a desire to be more intentional about turning to my angel in prayer. If you want to learn more about the angels or deepen your own devotion, I highly recommend this book. Whether you already have a strong devotion to your Guardian Angel or have never given much thought to this beautiful gift from God, Boudon’s teachings and advice may open your eyes to the heavenly companions who watch over us and lead us toward Heaven.
Writer’s Note: Thank you to Sophia Institute Press and Catholic Women in Business for the opportunity to read a copy of this book for an honest review.
Kimberly Pawlowski is a wife and mother who has always loved the written word — whether by reading, writing, or curating and refining content — and she’s come to view that love as part of her vocation. As a cradle Catholic, she is also passionate about using her charisms to help others discover and use their gifts for His purpose. When she's not working as an office manager in northeast Indiana, she’s most likely reading or reviewing ARCs, cheering at a soccer game, or spending time with her family.