Saint Raphael the Archangel
Feast Day: October 24 (Traditional Roman Calendar)
Name Meaning: “God heals” (from the Hebrew Rāfāʾēl)
Rank: Archangel (one of the Seven who stand before the throne of God)
Patronage: Travelers, the blind, physicians, happy meetings, nurses, healing, and marriages
I. Scriptural Account (Book of Tobias/Tobit)
The hagiography of Saint Raphael is most fully revealed in the Book of Tobias (also called Tobit), one of the deuterocanonical books preserved in the Septuagint and received by the Church in her canon of Sacred Scripture.
Mission to Tobias
In the narrative, Raphael appears in human form, taking the name Azarias, and accompanies the young Tobias on a journey to Media to recover a debt owed to his father, the elder Tobit. Unbeknownst to Tobias, this mysterious companion is an Archangel sent by God to heal and guide.
Key events include:
- Healing of Tobit’s blindness with gall from a fish.
- Binding of the demon Asmodeus, who had slain the seven previous husbands of Sara, the woman Tobias was to marry.
- Protection and safe guidance throughout the journey.
At the conclusion of the journey, Raphael reveals his true identity:
“I am the angel Raphael, one of the seven, who stand before the Lord.”
(Tobit 12:15, Douay-Rheims translation)
He instructs Tobit and Tobias to give thanks to God, affirming that all healing and protection came from the Almighty, not himself.
II. Role and Theological Significance
Saint Raphael is one of only three Archangels named in Scripture (Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael). His role is healing and guidance, both physical and spiritual. His appearances show the intimacy of Divine Providence—how God sends His messengers to assist the faithful in their earthly trials.
Threefold Mission of Saint Raphael:
- Healing of Tobit – representing physical healing.
- Deliverance of Sara – representing liberation from spiritual oppression.
- Guidance of Tobias – representing Divine direction for the soul.
In the Traditional Catholic understanding, Saint Raphael is a prefigurement of Christ’s own ministry of healing and deliverance. His intervention in human affairs is always humble, pointing back to God.
III. Devotional Legacy
Though sometimes overshadowed by the more prominently celebrated Archangels Michael and Gabriel, Raphael has long been venerated in both the East and West.
In Traditional Catholic Devotion:
- His feast on October 24 was established in the Tridentine Calendar and kept until the reforms of 1969 moved it to September 29 with the other Archangels. However, Traditional Catholics continue to observe October 24 as his distinct feast.
- He is invoked in the Litany of the Saints as “Raphael, the Archangel” and in various prayers for healing, protection, and safe travel.
- Pilgrims, travelers, and the sick often pray to him for protection and intercession.
IV. Patronage and Symbolism
Attributes in Sacred Art:
- Often depicted holding a staff, signifying pilgrimage.
- Sometimes carries a fish, referencing the healing of Tobit.
- Accompanies Tobias and a dog, symbolizing his role as protector and guide.
Spiritual Patronage:
- Travelers – as he led Tobias safely through unknown lands.
- The Blind and Sick – due to his healing of Tobit’s eyes.
- Young lovers and married couples – for his role in the holy marriage of Tobias and Sara.
- Physicians and nurses – for his role as a divine healer.
V. Suggested Devotions and Prayers
Prayer to Saint Raphael the Archangel:
“Glorious Archangel Saint Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners. I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels.
Because you are the ‘medicine of God,’ I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body. I especially ask of you the favor (mention your intention here) and the great grace of purity to prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”