SAINT RAPHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

Saint Raphael the Archangel is one of the three archangels named in Scripture, along with Michael and Gabriel. His name in Hebrew means “God heals” (Rafa’el), and he is best known as the healing and guiding angel.

He appears primarily in the Book of Tobit, a part of the Catholic and Orthodox biblical canons. In this story, Raphael takes on the human form of a man named Azarias and is sent by God to assist Tobit, a righteous man who has become blind, and his son Tobias. Raphael plays a number of roles: he guides Tobias safely on his journey, helps him find a faithful wife named Sarah, drives away a demon that had tormented her, and provides the remedy to cure Tobit’s blindness. At the end of the story, he reveals his true identity as one of the seven angels who stand before the throne of God.

Saint Raphael is traditionally regarded as the patron saint of travelers, the blind, physicians, nurses, those seeking healing, and married couples. He is often called upon for both physical and emotional healing, as well as for guidance and protection on life’s journeys.

In religious art, Raphael is commonly depicted holding a staff or walking stick, symbolizing his role as a guide, and often accompanied by a fish, referencing the episode in Tobit where the fish’s organs are used to heal and drive out evil.

His feast day is celebrated on September 29, along with Saints Michael and Gabriel, though it was formerly observed on October 24 in the traditional calendar.

Saint Raphael remains a powerful figure of divine care, healing, and protection, offering comfort and guidance to those in need.

16”x20” acrylic on wood.

Prayerfully made by Stephen Hotchkiss. 

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