Saint Raphael the Archangel is one of the three archangels named in Holy Scripture, along with Saints Michael and Gabriel. His name means “God heals” in Hebrew, reflecting his role as a healer and guide. He is particularly associated with the Book of Tobit in the Old Testament, where he appears as a central figure.
Biblical Story
The primary source for Saint Raphael’s hagiography is the Book of Tobit, a Deuterocanonical book that is part of the Catholic Old Testament. In this story, Raphael is sent by God to assist Tobit, a pious and blind Israelite, and his son Tobias. Tobit, a devout man living in exile, is stricken with blindness after performing acts of charity. Meanwhile, his son Tobias is sent on a journey to recover a sum of money deposited with a relative.
Disguised as a human named Azarias, Raphael accompanies Tobias on this journey. Along the way, he performs several miraculous acts. He instructs Tobias to catch a fish, whose liver, heart, and gall can be used for healing. Tobias follows his advice and later uses the fish’s gall to cure his father’s blindness. Raphael also helps Tobias to exorcize a demon tormenting Sarah, the woman Tobias marries. At the conclusion of the journey, Raphael reveals his true identity as an archangel sent by God to aid them.
Role and Symbolism
Saint Raphael is venerated as a patron of travelers, healing, and medical professionals. His acts in the Book of Tobit emphasize his role as a divine healer, both physically (curing Tobit’s blindness) and spiritually (delivering Sarah from demonic oppression). The fish in the story has become a symbol associated with him, representing healing and the casting away of evil.
His role in guiding Tobias also signifies his patronage over travelers, those undertaking a spiritual journey, and pilgrims. His feast day is celebrated on September 29th, together with the other archangels, Michael and Gabriel.
Devotional Significance
In traditional Catholic devotion, Saint Raphael is invoked for his intercessory power in matters of healing, protection during journeys, and spiritual deliverance. Prayers to Saint Raphael often ask for his guidance and healing presence, drawing upon his biblical role as a companion and helper to those in distress.
Liturgical and Iconographic Representation
Liturgically, Saint Raphael has been honored in the Church for centuries, with prayers and hymns that reflect his attributes as a healer and protector. In sacred art, he is often depicted carrying a staff, symbolizing his role as a guide, or holding a fish, a reference to his healing of Tobit. Raphael may also be shown leading Tobias, which emphasizes his guidance and protective care.
Historical Devotion
Devotion to Saint Raphael has long been part of the Church’s tradition, especially in times of plague or other illnesses, when people sought his aid for healing. Various saints and spiritual writers, such as Saint John of God and Saint Anthony of Padua, have recommended invoking Saint Raphael in prayers for the sick and suffering.
Concluding Reflection
Saint Raphael’s story serves as a reminder of God’s providential care and the presence of His angels in the world, guiding, healing, and protecting the faithful. His intercession is a powerful help in the spiritual and physical journeys of life.