St Raphael the Archangel  (Memorial: 29 September)

Raphael’s name originates from the Hebrew rapha which means healer or doctor. Therefore, Raphael is “the shining one who heals” and also ‘the medicine of God”

He is entrusted with the well-being of the earth and its human inhabitants and is said to be the friendliest of angels.

He is counted among the seven angels who stands before God mentioned in Revelations.

Raphael has numerous titles and duties including Guardian of the Tree of Life and the Angel of prayer, peace, joy, light and love.

In Scripture

He plays a prominent role in the Book of Tobit, in which he travelled with and guarded Tobiah, and cured a man’s blindness. The Book of Tobit is part of the Catholic Bible but is not part of the Protestant Bible nor the Hebrew Canon.

Raphael is also thought to be the force behind the healing power of the sheep pool mentioned in John 5:1-4.

In Catholic Devotional Lore

Catholic devotional lore contains numerous stories about the deeds of Raphael.

St Cyriaca (also called Dominica) who was martyred under the emperor Maximilian in the fourth century was addressed by Raphael during her tortures. Identifyiing himself by name, he said that he had heard her prayers and congratulated her on her courage, saying that because of her suffering she would glorify the Lord.

Sister Mary Francis of the Third Order of St Francis (now known as the Secular Franciscan Order) lived during the late 18th century. She was frequently ill. She was told on one occasion by Raphael that he would heal her and he did. She and others were witnesses to the smell of sweet perfume, which she attributed to the presence of Raphael.

Raphael is also credited with healing others of various afflictions, especially epilepsy, and of providing protection during journeys.

In Kabbalistic Lore

In Kabbalistic lore he is charged with healing the earth. He is also credited with healing Abraham of the pain of his circumcision and Jacob of his wounded thigh resulting from the fight with the dark adversary.

Common Representations

Archangel; young man carrying a staff; young man carrying a fish; angel walking with Tobias; angel holding a bottle or flask.

Source and Further Reading:

Davidson, Gustav. A dictionary of Angels. New York: The Free Press, 1967
O’Sullivan, Fr Paul, All About the Angels. Rockford. Ill: Tan Books and Publishers, 1990 (First published 1945)