What does the Catholic Church teach about guardian angels?

The Catholic Church teaches that God assigns a guardian angel to every person from the moment of their creation. This teaching is based on Scripture — Jesus said of children, 'Their angels in heaven always see the face of my heavenly Father' (Matthew 18:10), and Psalm 91:11 states, 'For he commands his angels with regard to you, to guard you wherever you go.' The Catechism affirms: 'From infancy to death human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession. Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life' (CCC 336). Guardian angels protect us from spiritual and sometimes physical harm, inspire good thoughts, present our prayers to God, and help guide us toward salvation. The Feast of the Guardian Angels is celebrated on October 2. The traditional Guardian Angel Prayer asks: 'Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide.' Catholics are encouraged to develop a relationship with their guardian angel through prayer and awareness of angelic guidance.