Christian Art | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ | Saint Raphael The Archangel
Matthew 4: 8-11 | King James Audio Bible | King James Version KJV
‘Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.’ (Matthew 4:11)
Saint Raphael the Archangel is one of the three named angels in the Bible, alongside Gabriel and Michael. Saint Raphael is a significant figure in Judeo-Christian tradition, recognized for his role as a healer and protector. In the Book of Tobit, an ancient Jewish text, Saint Raphael is portrayed as a guide and companion to the protagonist Tobit, helping him overcome various challenges and ultimately bringing about his healing.
In Catholicism, Saint Raphael is venerated as a patron of travellers, the blind, the mentally ill, and those seeking to find a spouse. His feast day is celebrated on September 29th, and he is often depicted in art and iconography holding a staff and a fish, in reference to his role in guiding Tobit on his journey.
In the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches, Saint Raphael is similarly revered as a healer and protector. He is celebrated on the first Saturday of November, this is accordance with the Julian calendar, and is often depicted in iconography holding a vial of healing oil. While there are some differences in the way Saint Raphael is venerated between western Catholicism and the Eastern traditions, Saint Raphael’s role as a compassionate intercessor and helper remains central to his legacy in both.
Love Revealed By Jesus Christ | Saint Raphael The Archangel In The Book Of Tobit
The Book of Tobit is an ancient Jewish text that tells the story of Tobit, a devout Israelite who is blinded and oppressed by various misfortunes. Saint Raphael appears in the story as a guide and companion to Tobit’s son Tobias, who is sent on a journey to retrieve a sum of money that Tobit had deposited in a distant land.
Throughout the journey, Saint Raphael helps Tobias overcome various challenges, including driving away a demon that had been tormenting him and healing his father’s blindness. Saint Raphael also helps Tobias find a wife, Sarah, who had been tormented by a demon that killed each of her previous seven husbands on their wedding night. With Saint Raphael’s guidance, Tobias is able to successfully overcome the demon and marry Sarah.
Saint Raphael is portrayed in the Book of Tobit as a wise and compassionate guide, who provides both practical and spiritual guidance to Tobit and Tobias. Saint Raphael’s presence in the story emphasizes the importance of faith, trust, and compassion in navigating life’s challenges, and his role as a healer and protector remains central to his legacy in Judeo-Christian tradition.
Here are some quotations from the Book of Tobit:
- ‘I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels, which present the prayers of the saints, and which go in and out before the glory of the Holy One.’ (Tobit 12:15, KJV)
- ‘Blessed be God that liveth for ever, and blessed be his kingdom. For he doth scourge, and hath mercy: he leadeth down to hell, and bringeth up again: neither is there any that can avoid his hand.’ (Tobit 13:1, KJV)
- ‘And when he had said these things, he was received up into heaven, and they saw him no more. Then they confessed the great and wonderful works of God, and how the angel of the Lord had appeared unto them.’ (Tobit 12:20, KJV)
Raphael’s role in the Book of Tobit is significant, as he is a central character in the story.
Throughout the book, Raphael is depicted as a wise and powerful guide, providing guidance and protection to Tobias. He also acts as a healer, both physically and spiritually, as he cures Tobit’s blindness and helps to restore his faith in God. Additionally, Raphael plays a role in bringing together Tobias and Sarah, who become husband and wife.
Love Revealed By Jesus Christ | Saint Raphael The Archangel In Eastern Iconography.
In the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches, Saint Raphael the Archangel is a revered figure. Icons portray Saint Raphael as a powerful and benevolent figure, often dressed in a richly decorated robe and holding a staff or a fish, which are symbolic of his role in the Book of Tobit.
One of the most common depictions of Saint Raphael is as a companion to the young Tobias, as he guides him on his journey to find a cure for his father’s blindness. In these icons, Saint Raphael is often shown as a bearded and mature figure, while Tobias is depicted as a young and innocent boy. Saint Raphael is also shown carrying a small container of gall, which he uses to cure Tobias’ father’s blindness.
Another popular depiction of Saint Raphael is as a healer and protector of travellers. In these icons, Saint Raphael is often shown holding a staff and wearing a traveller’s hat, symbolizing his patronage of those who are on a journey. Saint Raphael is also shown with his wings outstretched, representing his role as an angelic protector.
In addition to his role as a healer and protector, Saint Raphael is also venerated as a patron of those seeking a spouse. In these icons, he is often shown holding a wreath or garland of flowers, symbolizing the union of marriage. He is also sometimes depicted with a scroll, on which is written the names of those seeking a spouse.
Love Revealed By Jesus Christ | Traditional Prayers To Saint Raphael The Archangel
The Catholic Church has a prayer to Saint Raphael that dates back to the 18th century. This prayer is often included in novenas and devotions to the saint. The Eastern Orthodox Church also has a prayer to Saint Raphael, which is recited by believers in Eastern Christianity.
Text of a traditional Prayer to Saint Raphael from the Catholic Church:
‘O Raphael, lead us towards those we are waiting for, those who are waiting for us! Raphael, Angel of Happy Meetings, lead us by the hand towards those we are looking for! May all our movements, all their movements, be guided by your Light and transfigured by your Joy.
‘Angel, guide of Tobias, lay the request we now address to you at the feet of Him on whose unveiled Face you are privileged to gaze. Lonely and tired, crushed by the separations and sorrows of earth, we feel the need of calling to you and of pleading for the protection of your wings, so that we may not be as strangers in the Province of Joy, all ignorant of the concerns of our country.
‘Remember the weak, you who are strong–you whose home lies beyond the region of thunder, in a land that is always peaceful, always serene, and bright with the resplendent glory of God. Amen.’
Text of a traditional Prayer to Saint Raphael from the Eastern Orthodox Church:
‘O Holy Archangel Raphael, standing before the throne of God and interceding for our souls with the Heavenly Father, pray for us for the glory of God and for His immense mercy. Obtain for us the grace of purity, meekness, humility, patience, and the love of God.
‘O Holy Archangel Raphael, the healer of our souls and bodies, intercede for us that we may be strengthened in the love of Christ and may turn away from all the paths of sin and wickedness. Deliver us from every illness and affliction, especially from the coronavirus, and guide us towards the salvation of our souls.
‘O Holy Archangel Raphael, companion of the young Tobias, we pray that you will guide and protect all travellers in their journeys and keep us safe from all harm and danger. Amen.’
These traditional prayers illustrate the faith and devotion of believers in both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, and their reliance on Saint Raphael as a powerful intercessor and guide.
Love Revealed By Jesus Christ | Novena To Saint Raphael
The Novena to Saint Raphael is a traditional Catholic prayer that is prayed over nine consecutive days. It is a form of intercessory prayer that asks Saint Raphael, the patron saint of travellers, the blind, the mentally ill, and those seeking to find a spouse, to intercede on behalf of the person praying.
The Novena to Saint Raphael is often prayed as a way of seeking guidance and protection during times of travel or during times of difficulty in finding a spouse. It is also prayed by those who are seeking healing or comfort for themselves or for loved ones who are suffering from mental illness or blindness.
Text of the Novena Prayer to Saint Raphael:
‘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 favour (make your request here) and the great grace of purity to prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen.’
This prayer can be said once a day for nine consecutive days, or it can be said continuously over the course of nine days. It is often concluded with the recitation of one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.
Love Revealed By Jesus Christ | Prayer For Healing With Saint Raphael
Saint Raphael is known for his healing powers, and many people pray to him for physical and spiritual healing. The following prayer can be used as a petition for healing to Saint Raphael:
‘O Raphael, lead us toward those we are waiting for, those who are waiting for us! Raphael, Angel of happy meeting, lead us by the hand toward those we are looking for! May all our movements, all their movements, be guided by your Light and transfigured by your Joy.
‘Angel, guide of Tobias, lay the request we now address to you at the feet of Him on whose unveiled Face you are privileged to gaze. Lonely and tired, crushed by the separations and sorrows of life, we feel the need of calling to you and of pleading for the protection of your wings, so that we may not be as strangers in the Province of Joy, all ignorant of the concerns of our country.
‘Remember the weak, you who are strong–you whose home lies beyond the region of thunder, in a land that is always peaceful, always serene, and bright with the resplendent glory of God. Amen.’
This prayer acknowledges Saint Raphael as the guide of Tobias and asks for his intercession and guidance in bringing people together. It also asks for protection and healing for those who are lonely, tired, and facing separations and sorrows in life.
The prayer emphasizes the role of Saint Raphael as an angel of joy and a guide towards happiness and peacefulness. It also highlights his connection to the glory of God and his ability to offer protection and strength to the weak and vulnerable.
Love Revealed By Jesus Christ | Prayer For A Spouse With Saint Raphael
Saint Raphael is also known as a patron of those seeking a spouse, and there are prayers that can be recited to ask for his intercession in this matter. The prayer for a spouse with Saint Raphael is a powerful supplication that seeks the assistance of the archangel in finding a life partner.
Text of the prayer for a spouse with Saint Raphael:
‘O blessed Archangel Raphael, guide of those who journey by land or sea, patron of the young, dear friend of the aged, thou art also a helper in choosing a spouse. To thee have I recourse, with the firm hope that thou wilt hear my prayer and obtain for me the grace and favour I ardently desire.
[mention your request]
‘Guardian of the Word Incarnate, I feel confident that through thy help I shall obtain what I ask of thee. I am weak and unworthy, but I trust in thy powerful intercession. Speak for me, Saint Raphael, and help me find the spouse God has chosen for me.
‘Bring together two people destined to be united in love and in the holy bond of marriage, and help them to establish a happy and peaceful home. May our mutual love bind us so closely, that our future home may ever be most like the home of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Offer thy prayers to God for the both of us and obtain the blessing of God upon our marriage, as thou wert the herald of blessing for the marriage of Tobias and Sara.
‘Saint Raphael, Friend of the Cross, pray for us. Amen.’