Saint Thérèse of Lisieux’s Poem 46, “To My Guardian Angel”
Glorious Guardian of my soul, you who shine in God’s beautiful Heaven as a sweet and pure flame near the Eternal’s throne, you come down to earth for me, enlightening me with your splendor so that, fair Angel, you become my Brother, my Friend, my Consoler; knowing my great weakness, you lead me by the hand and tenderly remove the stone from my path, your sweet voice always inviting me to look only at Heaven, and the more you see me humble and little, the more your face is radiant. O you who travel through space more swiftly than lightning, I beg you, fly in my place close to those dear to me, with your wing dry their tears, sing how good Jesus is, sing that suffering has its charms, and softly whisper my name; during my short life I want to save my fellow sinners, so O Fair Angel of the Homeland, give me holy fervor. I have nothing but my sacrifices and my austere poverty, with your celestial delights offer them to the Trinity; for you the Kingdom and the Glory, the Riches of the King of kings, for me the ciborium’s humble Host and the Cross’s treasure; with the Cross, with the Host, and with your celestial aid, in peace I await the other life, the joys that will last forever.