No, Grandma is not an angel December 10, 2025By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Christmas, Feature, Local News, News In Frank Capra’s Christmas classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” an angel named Clarence is sent to show a despairing man how deeply his life has touched others. The heavenly assignment for the “Angel Second Class” would earn Clarence his wings – more than 200 years after the former earthly clockmaker died. The tale is heartwarming, but the theology is off base. Human beings do not become angels when they die. Dr. Matthew Dugandzic, academic dean and associate professor of moral theology at St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Roland Park, explained that people are created to be human – not angels. A departed soul may resemble an angel in that it is spiritual and conscious, he said, but that is only a temporary, incomplete state. The human person is meant to be embodied – capable of sensing, learning and acting in the world. Without a body, the soul remains unfinished, awaiting reunion with the resurrected, glorified body that restores wholeness. It is common for people to comfort the grieving by saying a loved one has become an angel watching over them. And while Catholics believe the saints in heaven can intercede for people on earth, that does not mean they are angels. Christian faith offers something greater: Loved ones don’t trade in their humanity. They await its perfection in resurrection. Also see: Saved by an angel? Baltimore Catholics recall life‑changing moments Email George Matysek at gmatysek@CatholicReview.org More local stories Catholic schools are building for the future New associate eastern vicar appointed to succeed Monsignor O’Connor Josephites elect new superior general Hispanic leaders learn to build a stronger ministry together Radio Interview: An American Martyr – The Legacy of Blessed Stanley Rother Values, service highlight nursing career spanning 59 years Copyright © 2025 Catholic Review Media Print
