Saint Raphael the Archangel
Saint Raphael the Archangel is an archangel in the Catholic, Orthodox, and Jewish traditions, revered as the “Medicine of God” for his healing ministry. First mentioned by name in the Book of Tobit (3rd–2nd century BCE), he is one of three archangels named in Scripture, alongside Michael and Gabriel, and one of seven who stand before God’s throne (Tobit 12:15). Known for guiding Tobias, healing Tobit’s blindness, and delivering Sarah from a demon, Raphael’s name means “God heals.” His role as a healer is also linked to the pool of Bethesda in John 5:4, though not named there. His feast day, traditionally 24 October, was combined with Michael and Gabriel on 29 September after Vatican II, though some communities retain the older date. As an archangel, he is venerated, not canonized, and his cult is universal in the Catholic Church.[1][2][3]
Saint Raphael’s intercession is sought for physical and spiritual healing, safe travel, and chaste courtship, making him a beloved figure in Christian devotion. His guidance in Tobit symbolizes God’s providence, inspiring novenas and prayers, especially for singles and the sick. As patron saint of travelers, the blind, doctors, and Catholic singles, his influence extends globally. His legacy thrives in parishes and shrines, with devotion expressed through icons, medals, and healing prayers, particularly in the Dioceses honoring his feast.[4][5][6]
Stored in Cargo: Saint Raphael the Archangel
| Saint Raphael the Archangel | |
| Feast Day | 29 September (with Michael and Gabriel); 24 October (traditional) |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Travelers; Blind; Doctors; Catholic singles; Nurses; Druggists |
| Birthplace | Heaven |
| Death Place | Not applicable |
| Cause of Death | Not applicable |
| Primary Shrine | None (universal veneration) |
Biography
Birth
Saint Raphael the Archangel, as a celestial being, was created by God in Heaven at an unknown time, with no earthly birth.[2] His existence as one of seven archangels who stand before God’s throne is affirmed in Tobit 12:15, with his name (“God heals”) reflecting his healing mission. No coordinates or temporal details apply, as he is a spiritual entity.[5]
Raphael’s creation aligns with angelic theology, where archangels serve as God’s messengers. His prominence in the Book of Tobit establishes his role in human salvation history.[3][7]
Early Life
As an archangel, Saint Raphael has no earthly early life, existing eternally in Heaven as a divine messenger.[2] His “early” role is described in the Book of Tobit (3rd–2nd century BCE), where he appears as Azarias, a human disguise, to guide Tobias on a journey, heal Tobit’s blindness, and free Sarah from the demon Asmodeus. This narrative, part of the Catholic and Orthodox canons, highlights his wisdom and compassion.[8]
Raphael’s actions in Tobit prefigure his intercessory role, earning him devotion as a healer and guide. His celestial nature precludes a traditional biography but underscores his divine mission.[9][10]
Occupation
Saint Raphael the Archangel’s primary “occupation” is as a divine messenger and healer, serving God’s will across creation.[1] In the Book of Tobit, he accompanies Tobias, orchestrating events to heal Tobit and Sarah, and reveals himself as “one of the seven who stand before the Lord” (Tobit 12:15). He is also associated with stirring the healing waters at Bethesda’s pool (John 5:4), though not named there.[11]
His role extends to interceding for humanity, particularly in healing physical and spiritual ailments, guiding travelers, and fostering chaste love. His heavenly service is universal, unbound by earthly limits.[12][13]
Vocation
Saint Raphael’s vocation is his eternal call to serve God as an archangel, focusing on healing and guidance.[6] In Tobit, he fulfills this by protecting Tobias, curing Tobit’s blindness, and freeing Sarah, demonstrating God’s providence. His intercession is invoked for travelers, the sick, and singles seeking love, as seen in novenas (web:6, 17).[14][15]
His celestial vocation transcends human roles, embodying divine compassion. Devotees, including survivors of abuse (post:5), seek his healing, reflecting his universal appeal.[16]
Death
As an archangel, Saint Raphael the Archangel is immortal and has no death, existing eternally in Heaven.[2] His narrative in Tobit concludes with his ascension after revealing his identity, leaving no earthly relics or death site. No coordinates or temporal details apply.
His eternal nature ensures continuous intercession, with devotion centered on his biblical acts rather than a physical legacy. His veneration remains vibrant in the Catholic Church.[3][17]
Significant events
- Appeared as Azarias to guide Tobias, Book of Tobit, 3rd–2nd century BCE.[8]
- Healed Tobit’s blindness and freed Sarah from Asmodeus, Book of Tobit.[9]
- Stirred healing waters at Bethesda’s pool, John 5:4 (attributed), 1st century CE.[11]
- Feast day established, traditionally 24 October, later merged to 29 September post-Vatican II.[4]
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: None
Death location: None
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Parishes
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Canonization
Servant of God
As an archangel, Saint Raphael is not a candidate for the Servant of God stage, as this applies to humans seeking canonization.[2] His divine status, affirmed in Scripture, precludes formal sainthood processes.
Venerable
Saint Raphael, being an archangel, is not declared Venerable, a stage reserved for human candidates.[3] His veneration stems from biblical authority, not ecclesiastical review.
Beatification
Saint Raphael is not beatified, as beatification is for humans.[5] His role as an archangel, recognized in Tobit and tradition, ensures universal veneration without this step.
Canonization
Saint Raphael the Archangel is not canonized, as canonization applies to human saints.[2] His status as an archangel, one of seven before God’s throne, is affirmed by Scripture and tradition, requiring no formal process. His veneration is universal, with no canonization date or location.[6]
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
No beatification miracle applies to Saint Raphael, as he is an archangel, not a human candidate.[3] His biblical miracles, such as healing Tobit’s blindness, suffice for veneration.[8]
Miracle for canonization
No canonization miracle applies, as Saint Raphael is not canonized.[2] His miracles in Tobit and attributed acts (e.g., Bethesda pool) underpin his devotion.[11] Devotees report healings, but none are formally verified (post:3).[18]
Other notable miracles
Patronage
Saint Raphael is the patron saint of travelers, the blind, doctors, Catholic singles, nurses, and druggists, reflecting his roles in Tobit and tradition.[4][6][18]
Feast day
Saint Raphael’s feast day is celebrated on 29 September with Michael and Gabriel in the Catholic and Orthodox calendars, post-Vatican II. Traditionally, his feast was 24 October, still observed in some communities (web:4; post:0, 2, 4). Discrepancies reflect liturgical reforms, with 29 September standard.[4][19]
Veneration
Saint Raphael is venerated through prayers, novenas, and devotion at parishes like St. Raphael’s in various Dioceses.[6] His feast, 29 September (or 24 October traditionally), features Masses and healing services. Icons, like one in Leeds Cathedral for abuse survivors (post:5), and medals depict him with wings, a staff, fish, or ointment, symbolizing Tobit’s journey.[16]
His cult is universal, with no primary shrine but strong devotion in hospitals and travel chapels. Novenas for singles seeking love (web:6) and healing prayers (web:8) highlight his intercession, resonating globally.[14][12]
Books
Written about the saint
- Butler’s Lives of the Saints, Vol. I – Includes a biography of Saint Raphael, detailing his biblical role.
- Angels of God: The Bible, the Church and the Heavenly Hosts by Mike Aquilina – Discusses Raphael’s mission.[15]
Written by the saint
- As an archangel, Saint Raphael has no writings, with his legacy in Scripture (Book of Tobit).[2]
External links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=203
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raphael_(archangel)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12640b.htm
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 https://www.catholicprofiles.org/post/october-24-feast-of-st-raphael-the-archangel
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 https://catholicsaintmedals.com/saints/st-raphael-the-archangel/
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 https://straphael.net/
- ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/Catholicism/comments/xxxxxxxx/what-do-you-guys-know-about-saint-raphael/
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/st-michael-st-gabriel--st-raphael-9042
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 https://hozana.org/en/saint/raphael-archangel
- ↑ https://sanctoral.com/en/saints/saint_raphael_the_archangel.html
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 https://www.catholiccompany.com/magazine/st-raphael-the-archangel-and-the-healing-power-of-god/
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 https://www.virgosacrata.com/healing-prayer-to-saint-raphael.html
- ↑ https://thecatholiccrusade.com/st-raphael-the-archangel-archives/
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 https://plus.catholicmatch.com/articles/st-raphael-novena
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 https://catholicnovenaapp.com/novenas/st-raphael-archangel-novena/
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Cite error: Invalid
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- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Cite error: Invalid
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