Saint Raphael The Archangel —
Patron Saint of Nurses, Pharmacists,
Happy Meetings, Travelers, The Blind

"St. Raphael is one of seven Archangels who stand before the throne of the Lord. Raphael, Michael and Gabriel are the only Archangels mentioned by name in the bible.

Raphael's name means God heals. This identity came about because of the biblical story which claims that he healed the earth when it was defiled by the sins of the fallen angels in the apocryphal book of Enoch. Raphael is also identified as the angel who moved the waters of the healing pool by the Sheep Gate of Jerusalem (John 5:1-4).

Raphael is the angel from the deutero-canonical book of Tobit. In it he he travelled with and guarded Tobiah. Tobiah was betrothed to Sarah, who had seven previous bridegrooms perish on the night of their weddings to her. Raphael accompanied Tobiah into Media disguised as a man named Azariah and taught him how to safely enter marriage with Sarah. Tobiah also gave Raphael credit for his father's seeing the light of heaven and for receiving all good things through his intercession."

Prayer to St. Raphael
“Dear St. Raphael, your lovely name means God heals. The Lord sent you to young Tobiah to guide him throughout a long journey. Upon his return you taught him how to cure his father's blindness. How natural, therefore, for Christians to pray for your powerful help for safe travel and a happy return. This is what we ask for ourselves as well as for all who are far from home. Amen.”

Prayer to St. Raphael
“O God who in Thy ineffable goodness hast rendered blessed Raphael the conductor of thy faithful in their journeys, we humbly implore Thee that we may be conducted by him in the way of salvation, and experience his help in the maladies of our souls. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen."