Saints
St. Raphael the Archangel – Patron Saint of the Sick
According to the theology of the Catholic Church, Raphael is one of the seven Archangels who stand before the throne of God and is one of the three Archangels, besides Gabriel and Michael. Additionally, in many angelologies, Raphael is listed as the angel of the North and is associated with the color green and the element of earth. There are few historical records of Raphael, he is featured prominently in the Old Testament’s Book of Tobit, and many scholars often identify the unnamed angel in John 5:1-4, as St. Raphael.
In the Bible, Raphael is described as the “healing angel” and is considered to be the patron saint of healing, travel, and welfare.
St. Raphael is the Patron Saint of the Sick
Raphael is remembered for his role in the protection and guidance of young Tobias and Sarah in their journey. He is considered a protector of young people and travelers, and his intercession is sought for safe journeys and protection from harm.
Devotion to Raphael as a patron of healing also became popular in the Middle Ages, and many hospitals and medical institutions were dedicated to him. Even today, many people invoke his intercession for physical and spiritual healing, and his feast day is celebrated on September 29th.
Raphael is often invoked as a protector and helper in difficult situations and as an angel of guidance and healing. Many people pray to him for protection on their journey, and he is also considered a patron saint of those in the medical profession, such as nurses and doctors.
St. Raphael the Archangel in the Old Testament Book of Tobit
The book of Tobit is one of the most fascinating and inspiring stories in the Bible. It tells the story of two Israelite families, that of the blind Tobit in Nineveh and of the abandoned Sarah in Ecbatana, who are living as exiles from Israel after the Assyrian conquest. Through a series of events, God tests their faith, responds to their prayers, and protects them from harm. The main character of the story is not Tobit or his son Tobias, but the angel Raphael, who disguises himself as a human and guides Tobias on his journey to retrieve his father’s money and to marry Sarah.
Raphael’s Journey with Tobias
Raphael Casts Out the Demon in Sarah
Raphael Heals Tobit’s Sight
Raphael Reveals His Identity as an Angel
Revealing that he was the Archangel Raphael and that he had offered all the good works of the elder Tobias to the Lord, he admonished, not only a virtuous father and son, but all mankind, that: “Prayer is good with fasting and alms: more than to lay up treasures of gold.”
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St. Raphael in the New Testament
In the New Testament, Raphael is not mentioned by name, but his actions and presence may be inferred in different passages. In the Gospel of John, chapter 5, we read about a miraculous healing that Jesus performed at the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem. There was a man who had been an invalid for 38 years, waiting for someone to help him get into the pool when the water was stirred. He believed that the first one to enter the pool after the stirring would be healed of whatever disease he had.
St. Raphael Iconography
Raphael is also depicted in Christian art as a young man dressed in ceremonial robes, holding a staff and an orb, this attribute stems from his role in Tobit’s story as a guide and companion of Tobit’s son, Tobias. St. Raphael is also sometime sometimes depicted either carrying or standing on a fish, which refers to his healing of Tobit’s blindness with the fish’s gall in the Book of Tobit.
St. Raphael is the Patron Saint of the Sick
While the Catholic Church does not officially recognize one saint as the patron saint of the sick, St. Raphael the Archangel is often invoked as the patron saint of the sick.
St. Raphael is often invoked as the patron saint of the sick because of his role in the Book of Tobit in the Old Testament. In the story, Tobit becomes blind and is advised by his son Tobias to seek the help of a kinsman named Azariah, who is actually St. Raphael in disguise.
St. Raphael guides Tobias on a journey to collect a debt owed to Tobit, and along the way, they encounter a demon that had been tormenting a young woman named Sarah. St. Raphael instructs Tobias to catch a fish and use its organs to drive the demon away, which is successful.
Later, St. Raphael helps heal Tobit’s blindness and reveals his true identity as an angel sent by God to help them. As a result of this story, St. Raphael has been associated with healing and has become a patron saint of the sick.
St. Raphael is also mentioned in the New Testament book of Tobit, where he is described as “one of the seven holy angels” who “enter and serve before the glory of the Holy One” (Tobit 12:15). This description of St. Raphael as a holy angel further emphasizes his association with healing and divine intervention.
As a result, St. Raphael has become a popular saint to invoke for healing, particularly in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions. Saint Peregrine is also often invoked as the patron saint of those suffering from cancer and other serious illnesses.
Prayers to St. Raphael the Archangel
Prayer of Intercession to St. Raphael
Raphael of the glorious seven who stand before
the throne of Him who lives and reigns;
Angel of health, the Lord has filled thy hand with
balm from heaven to soothe and cure our pain.
Heal and console the victims of disease and guide our
steps when doubtful of our ways.”Holy Raphael, I entreat thee to help me in all my needs
and in all the trials of this life. And since thou art the
“physician” of God, I pray thee to heal my soul of its many
infirmities, and my body of the ills that afflict it, if this
favor be for my greater good.
I plead for angelic purity that I may be fit to be the
living temple of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer to St. Raphael for Healing
O Glorious Archangel St. 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 special intention), and the great grace of purity to prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A prayer for the Healing of St. Raphael the Archangel
Dear St. Raphael the Archangel, I ask for your healing touch today. I pray for your help in overcoming the physical and emotional pains that I am facing. I trust in your loving care, and I know that you will be with me always.
Please give me the strength I need to endure, and the courage to face life’s challenges with grace and hope. And may I always be a witness to the love and mercy of God, shining brightly in a world that so often lacks light. Amen.
Prayer to St. Raphael as the Patron Saint of the Sick
O holy St. Raphael, patron saint of the sick and healer of the afflicted, we come before you with our hearts filled with hope and faith. You are the angel who guided Tobias on his journey, and who brought healing to Tobit and Sarah. We ask that you intercede for us now, and bring healing to those who are sick and suffering.
St. Raphael, you know the pain and struggle of those who are ill, and you have the power to bring comfort and healing to their bodies and souls. We ask that you wrap them in your loving embrace and fill them with the peace and strength that comes from God.
We also pray for the doctors, nurses, and all healthcare workers who care for the sick. May they be guided by your wisdom and compassion, and may they be filled with the strength and courage to do their work well.
St. Raphael, please pray for us and for all who are sick and in need of healing. We trust in your intercession, and we thank you for your love and mercy. Amen.
Prayer to St. Raphael the Archangel
Dear St. Raphael the Archangel, I turn to you today in need of your guidance and protection. You are known as the healing angel, and I ask for your help in healing the wounds of my heart and body. I trust in your loving care, and I pray that you will be with me always.
Please guide me on my journey, and give me the strength and courage I need to face life’s challenges. Help me to be a true witness to God’s love and grace, shining brightly in a world that so often lacks hope. Amen.
A prayer for the Healing of St. Raphael the Archangel
Dear St. Raphael the Archangel, I ask for your healing touch today. I pray for your help in overcoming the physical and emotional pains that I am facing. I trust in your loving care, and I know that you will be with me always.
Please give me the strength I need to endure, and the courage to face life’s challenges with grace and hope. And may I always be a witness to the love and mercy of God, shining brightly in a world that so often lacks light. Amen.
A prayer for the Protection of St. Raphael the Archangel
Dear St. Raphael the Archangel, I ask for your protection today. You are known as the guardian angel, and I pray that you will be with me always, watching over me and guiding me on my journey.
Please give me the strength and courage I need to face life’s challenges, and help me to always be a true witness to the love and grace of God. And may I always be protected by your loving care, walking in the light of the Lord. Amen.
Prayer to St. Raphael the Archangel
Dear St. Raphael the Archangel, I turn to you today in need of your guidance and protection. You are known as the healing angel, and I ask for your help in healing the wounds of my heart and body. I trust in your loving care, and I pray that you will be with me always.
Please guide me on my journey, and give me the strength and courage I need to face life’s challenges. Help me to be a true witness to God’s love and grace, shining brightly in a world that so often lacks hope. Amen.
A prayer for the Protection of St. Raphael the Archangel
Dear St. Raphael the Archangel, I ask for your protection today. You are known as the guardian angel, and I pray that you will be with me always, watching over me and guiding me on my journey.
Please give me the strength and courage I need to face life’s challenges, and help me to always be a true witness to the love and grace of God. And may I always be protected by your loving care, walking in the light of the Lord. Amen.
Prayer to St. Raphael the Archangel
Dear St. Raphael the Archangel, I turn to you today in need of your guidance and protection. You are known as the healing angel, and I ask for your help in healing the wounds of my heart and body. I trust in your loving care, and I pray that you will be with me always.
Please guide me on my journey, and give me the strength and courage I need to face life’s challenges. Help me to be a true witness to God’s love and grace, shining brightly in a world that so often lacks hope. Amen.
A prayer for the Healing of St. Raphael the Archangel
Dear St. Raphael the Archangel, I ask for your healing touch today. I pray for your help in overcoming the physical and emotional pains that I am facing. I trust in your loving care, and I know that you will be with me always.
Please give me the strength I need to endure, and the courage to face life’s challenges with grace and hope. And may I always be a witness to the love and mercy of God, shining brightly in a world that so often lacks light. Amen.
A prayer for the Protection of St. Raphael the Archangel
Dear St. Raphael the Archangel, I ask for your protection today. You are known as the guardian angel, and I pray that you will be with me always, watching over me and guiding me on my journey.
Please give me the strength and courage I need to face life’s challenges, and help me to always be a true witness to the love and grace of God. And may I always be protected by your loving care, walking in the light of the Lord. Amen.
St. Raphael the Archangel: Patron Saint of Healing, Travelers, and Happy Meetings
St. Raphael the Archangel is a well-known and much-loved archangel in the Catholic Church. He is best known for his role as one of the seven archangels who stand before the throne of God, and is widely revered as a protector, healer, and guide.
St. Raphael is the patron saint of healing, travelers, and happy meetings. This designation reflects his role as a healing angel, as well as his association with journeys and new beginnings.
As the patron saint of healing, St. Raphael is believed to have the power to heal physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments. Many people turn to him for help and guidance when they are struggling with illness or injury, and believe that his intercession can bring comfort and healing to those who are suffering.
St. Raphael is also the patron saint of travelers, and is seen as a guide and protector for those who are on the road. Whether traveling for work, leisure, or pilgrimage, people have long turned to St. Raphael for guidance and protection, and have sought his intercession to help keep them safe and secure on their journeys.
Finally, St. Raphael is the patron saint of happy meetings. This designation reflects his role as a facilitator of connections and relationships, and his association with new beginnings and positive change. Whether seeking to meet new friends, find a romantic partner, or simply to make a new start in life, many people turn to St. Raphael for guidance and support, and believe that his intercession can help bring about happy and fulfilling connections.
Whether we are struggling with illness or injury, traveling, or simply seeking to make new connections and relationships, St. Raphael the Archangel is there to offer his help and guidance. Through his intercession, and his powerful example, he reminds us of the love and protection that are always available to us, and helps us to see the path ahead more clearly.” “
Reflection on the Feast Day of St. Raphael the Archangel
The feast day of St. Raphael the Archangel is September 29th.
St. Raphael is one of the seven archangels who stand before the throne of God. He is known as the healing angel and is often invoked for physical and spiritual healing. He is also known for his role in the Book of Tobit, where he helped Tobit’s son, Tobias, to find a wife and protected them on their journey. As we celebrate his feast day, we are reminded of the importance of seeking God’s help and protection in our lives.
One of the most striking aspects of St. Raphael’s role in the book of Tobit is his ability to help and guide Tobit and his son, Tobias, on their journey. He helped them to find a wife and protected them from harm. This reminds us that just as St. Raphael helped Tobit and Tobias, God also wants to guide and protect us on our journey through life. We must be open to seeking his help and protection.
Another important aspect of St. Raphael’s role is his association with healing. He is known as the healing angel, and is often invoked for physical and spiritual healing. This is a reminder that God is able to heal us both physically and spiritually. We must trust in God’s power to heal us and have faith that he will heal us.
St. Raphael’s role in the book of Tobit also teaches us the importance of having a guardian angel to guide us through life. Just as St. Raphael helped and protected Tobit and Tobias, our guardian angels are there to guide and protect us. We must be aware of their presence and ask for their help in our daily lives.
In conclusion, let us take inspiration from St. Raphael’s role as the healing angel and in the book of Tobit, and strive to seek God’s help and protection in our lives, have faith in his power to heal us, and be aware of the presence of our guardian angel and ask for their help in our daily lives. May we too be guided and protected by St. Raphael and other angels, just as Tobit and Tobias were in their time.
Reflection about St. Raphael as the Patron of the Sick
When we are sick or suffering, it can be difficult to find meaning or purpose in our pain. However, the example of St. Raphael can provide us with a model for how we can offer our suffering to God and find spiritual significance in our struggles.
St. Raphael is known as a patron saint of the sick because of his role in the Book of Tobit, where he helps bring healing and comfort to those who are afflicted. But what is perhaps most striking about St. Raphael is his unwavering faith and trust in God, even in the face of difficult circumstances.
St. Raphael’s journey with Tobias was not without its challenges. They encountered a demon that had been tormenting a young woman, and Tobit became blind. But throughout it all, St. Raphael remained steadfast in his belief that God would provide for them and bring them through their struggles.
In our own lives, we can look to St. Raphael as an example of how we can offer our suffering to God. When we are sick or struggling, we can ask God to help us find meaning and purpose in our pain, and to use it for our spiritual growth and the good of others.
We can also look to St. Raphael’s example of faith and trust in God, and seek to emulate these qualities in our own lives. This can involve prayer, meditation, and reflection on God’s presence and love in our lives, even in the midst of suffering.
By imitating the example of St. Raphael, we can find comfort and solace in our suffering, and offer it up to God as a source of spiritual transformation and renewal. We can trust that, like St. Raphael, God will guide us and bring us through our struggles, and that our suffering can be a source of grace and blessing for ourselves and others.
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Saints Similar to St. Raphael the Archangel
You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. Michael the Archangel and the Biography of St. Gabriel the Archangel and the Biography of St. Uriel the Archangel. St. Raphael the Archangel, St. Michael the Archangel, St. Gabriel the Archangel, and St. Uriel the Archangel are all archangels with significant roles in various biblical narratives and Christian traditions. They are often invoked for protection and guidance. Next up: Biography of St. Raymond Nonnatus
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