Raphael
The name of this archangel ( Raphael = "God has healed") does not appear in the Hebrew Scriptures, and in the Septuagint only in the Book of Tobias.
Patronages
According to Catholic tradition, as recorded in the sources cited for each patronage:
Police
- Diocese of Palm Beach: Blue Mass, consulted October 4, 2026
Feast day
- September 29 · General Roman Calendar
- October 24 · Traditional date, Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913
From Catholic Encyclopedia, 1913, “St. Raphael”
Here he first appears disguised in human form as the travelling companion of the younger Tobias, calling himself "Azarias the son of the great Ananias".
The story of the adventurous journey during which the protective influence of the angel is shown in many ways including the binding "in the desert of upper Egypt" of the demon who had previously slain seven husbands of Sara, daughter of Raguel, is picturesquely related in Tobit 5-11, to which the reader is referred.
After the return and the healing of the blindness of the elder Tobias, Azarias makes himself known as "the angel Raphael, one of the seven, who stand before the Lord" (Tob., xii, 15.
Cf. Apoc., viii, 2).
Prayer from The Raccolta, 1910, no. 295
O GLORIOUS Archangel, St Raphael, great Prince of the heavenly court, illustrious for thy gifts of wisdom and grace, guide of those who journey by land or sea, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners; I beg thee to assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once thou didst help the young Tobias on his travels. And because thou art the medicine of GOD, I humbly pray thee to heal the many infirmities of my soul, and the ills which afflict my body, if it be for my greater good. I specially ask of thee an angelic purity which may fit me to be the temple of the HOLY SPIRIT. Amen.
Works of art
