St. Raphael the Archangel 😇

The name Raphael means God Heals, Medicine of God, and Remedy of God.  He is identified with the angel of the Lord who periodically stirred the pool of Bethesda for healing in John 5:1–4.

Covering a lot of bases, he’s recognized as the patron saint of travelers, pilgrims, wayfarers, sojourners, the blind, the sick, physicians, pharmacists, happy meetings, courtship, and those in need of spiritual direction.

It says in the Good Book (Hebrews 13:2) 📕 to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have welcomed angels without knowing it.

In the Book of Tobit, Raphael plays a central role disguised as a mortal traveling companion named Azarias (meaning “help of God”).  He is sent by God incognito to answer the prayers of the blind Tobit and the distressed Sarah. 🆘

Raphael acts as guardian and guide for Tobit’s son, Tobias, on a long, arduous, dangerous journey to retrieve family funds 💰 and secure a marriage with Sarah 💞.  At the end of the journey, after refusing payment, Raphael reveals his true identity, declaring himself as “one of the seven holy angels who enter and serve before the glory of the Lord.”

In Christian iconography, he is frequently depicted carrying a walking staff, a gourd (used as a canteen), or wearing sandals to signify his role as a celestial guide who protects those away from home.

St. Raphael, of the glorious seven
     who stand
Before the throne of Him who lives
     and reigns.
Angel of health, the Lord has filled
     your hand
With balm from Heaven to soothe
     or cure our pains.
Heal or cure the victim of diseases,
And guide our steps when doubtful
     of our ways.

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