The Guardian Angel

What I do know is that the Guardian Angel has always been a constant in my life — a reassuring presence, the awareness that I'm never alone, someone I can turn to when I don't know what to do or when things go wrong.

For children, the Guardian Angel is often their first introduction to the Catholic faith: the first prayer we teach them, the first unseen presence we entrust them to, and whom we teach them to rely on.

As we grow older, we may leave this figure behind, thinking it's childish or somehow less "sacred" than the company of the Saints. That's why, five years ago, I was deeply struck by Pope Francis' homily during Mass on October 2nd. Here's the heart of what he said — it really moved me:

According to Church tradition, each of us has an angel by our side who watches over us and helps us sense things. How many times have we felt that inner nudge: 'I should do this…' or 'That's not right!' or 'Be careful!'? Many times. That's the voice of our traveling companion.

Be certain that he will guide us to the end of our lives with his counsel — and for that, we must listen to his voice. Don't rebel. Today I ask you: what is your relationship with your guardian angel? Do you feel him? Do you say good morning to him? Do you ask him to watch over you while you sleep? Do you talk to him? Ask him for advice?

He's at your side!

Don't consider this teaching on angels as something fantastical — it's real. It's what Jesus, what God, has told us: 'I will send an angel before you to guard you, to accompany you on your journey, so you do not go astray.'

With this deep affection for such an important friend, a year ago the Maestro and I decided to create something tangible — a small reminder that he is always with us. Even if we don't notice, even if we forget, even if we don't quite believe.

That's how the "I'll Take Your Hand" bracelet was born. It's an expression of this devotion: a tiny guardian angel made of natural mother-of-pearl, intentionally mounted on a delicate macramé thread — once you put it on, you won't want to take it off. The bracelet is so light that, like your Guardian Angel, you barely feel it — it becomes part of you.

We've added two beads from a blessed rosary to the clasp — rosaries that have been gifted to us over the years by our customers. It's a way to reuse a blessed item (which, by the way, should never be thrown away), one that may have broken… Who knows how many prayers have been said with those beads? It feels beautiful to think that some of that spiritual energy gets passed on to the person wearing the bracelet.

Lastly, we included a small holy card with a phrase we found on an old image of the Guardian Angel:

"You have no idea how lovingly I hold your hand."