St. Raphael

St. Raphael is one of the seven Archangels who stand before the throne of the Lord, and one of the only three mentioned by name in the Bible. He appears, by name, only in the Book of Tobit. Raphael's name means "God heals." This identity came about because of the biblical story that claims he "healed" the earth when it was defiled by the sins of the fallen angels in the apocryphal book of Enoch. Disguised as a human in the Book of Tobit, Raphael refers to himself as "Azarias the son of the great Ananias" and travels alongside Tobit's son, Tobiah. Once Raphael returns from his journey with Tobiah, he declares to Tobit that he was sent by the Lord to heal his blindness and deliver Sarah, Tobiah's future wife, from the demon Asmodeus. It is then that his true healing powers are revealed and he makes himself known as "the angel Raphael, one of the seven, who stand before the Lord" Tobit 12:15.

The demon Asmodeus killed every man Sarah married on the night of the wedding, before the marriage could be consummated. Raphael guided Tobiah and taught him how to safely enter the marriage with Sarah. Raphael is credited with driving the evil spirit from Sarah and restoring Tobit's vision, allowing him to see the light of Heaven and for receiving all good things through his intercession. Although only the archangels Gabriel and Michael are mentioned by name in the New Testament, the Gospel of John speaks of the pool at Bethesda, where many ill people rested, awaiting the moving of the water. "An angel of the Lord descended at certain times into the pond; and the water was moved. And he that went down first into the pond after the motion of the water was made whole of whatsoever infirmity he lay under" John 5:1-4. Because of the healing powers often linked to Raphael, the angel spoken of is generally associated with St. Raphael, the Archangel.

St. Raphael is the patron saint of travelers, the blind, bodily ills, happy meetings, nurses, physicians and medical workers. He is often pictured holding a staff and either holding or standing on a fish. His feast day is celebrated on September 29, along with St. Michael and St. Gabriel. Raphael's role as a guide and healer in the Book of Tobit has made him one of the most beloved and invoked archangels in the Catholic tradition, particularly for those seeking healing, guidance on journeys, or protection from evil spirits.

Liturgical Celebration

The feast of St. Raphael is celebrated on September 29th, along with St. Michael and St. Gabriel, during the autumn season when the Church reflects on the themes of harvest and thanksgiving. This feast is celebrated as a memorial in the Roman Catholic Church, recognizing Raphael's importance as an archangel and his powerful intercession for healing and protection. The feast falls during a time when many people are traveling or beginning new journeys, making it an ideal time to remember Raphael's role as a guide and protector. The feast provides an opportunity to honor Raphael's memory and to reflect on the importance of seeking God's guidance and healing in our own lives.

Traditions and Customs

On the feast day of St. Raphael, many people participate in special prayers and devotions to honor his memory and seek his intercession. Churches hold special Masses and services, particularly those with connections to healing ministries or travel. Many people gather to pray for healing and for safe travels, asking for St. Raphael's intercession in helping them to find physical, spiritual, and emotional healing. The day is also marked by prayers for those who are traveling or beginning new journeys, asking for St. Raphael's protection and guidance. Many people also take time to reflect on their own need for healing and to pray for the grace to trust in God's healing power. The feast is also a time to reflect on how we can incorporate Raphael's virtues of healing, guidance, and protection into our daily lives.

Prayer and Devotion

The feast day is an excellent time to pray for the gift of healing and the ability to trust in God's guidance in our lives. Many people make special petitions for those who are sick or suffering, asking for St. Raphael's intercession in helping them to find healing and comfort. The day is also a time to reflect on the importance of seeking God's guidance and to pray for the grace to be open to His direction in our lives. St. Raphael's feast day encourages us to remember that we are all in need of healing and guidance and that God has provided powerful intercessors to help us. It is also a time to pray for the grace to be instruments of God's healing and guidance for others. The feast reminds us that God is always with us and that He desires to heal and guide us in all aspects of our lives.