Of the three archangels whom the Church venerates by name, there is one whose story reads almost like a travel novel: he accompanies a young man on a perilous journey, protects him, finds him a wife, delivers a woman from an evil that tormented her, and restores sight to an old man. The prayer to Saint Raphael the Archangel is addressed precisely to that "physician of God" and traveling companion, whom many invoke in the face of illness, a journey, or a dizzying decision. Who is Raphael, and why does his name mean health?
Historical Context: The Archangel of the Book of Tobit
The name "Raphael" means "God heals" in Hebrew (Rafa-El). Unlike many anonymous angels in Scripture, Raphael is the protagonist of an entire narrative: the Book of Tobit. In it, God sends him—under human appearance, with the name Azariah—to accompany young Tobias on a long journey. Along the way he protects him, instructs him on how to heal, and upon arrival, frees Sarah from the demon Asmodeus and unites her in marriage with Tobias. On the return trip, he restores sight to the elderly Tobit. At the end he reveals himself: "I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who enter and serve before the glory of the Lord" (Tobit 12:15).
From this story spring his patronages: he is the protector of travelers, the sick, physicians, and engaged and married couples. The Catholic Church venerates only three archangels by name, the only ones named in Scripture: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Since the calendar reform of 1970, all three are celebrated together on September 29.
As in all angelic devotion, it is well to remember the essential: angels are creatures and servants of God; their strength comes from Him (cf. Catechism, nos. 328-336). Invoking Saint Raphael is not trusting in an energy, but asking for the intercession of a messenger who "stands before the glory of the Lord" and whom God Himself sends to accompany and heal.
Prayer to Saint Raphael the Archangel
We gather one of the most widespread prayers to Saint Raphael:
Glorioso arcángel san Rafael,
médico y medicina de Dios,
que con tanto amor acompañaste al joven Tobías en su camino
y devolviste la luz a los ojos de su padre:
acompáñame también a mí en mi camino,
sé mi guía en las decisiones y mi médico
en las dolencias del cuerpo y del alma.
Líbrame de todo peligro, condúceme con bien
y aleja de mí cuanto daña mi salud y mi paz.
Tú, que estás siempre ante el trono de Dios,
presenta mis súplicas al Señor
y alcánzame la gracia que ahora te pido… (menciónala)
Amén.
We do not reproduce here the official version of this prayer in your language because we are not certain of it; this is the Spanish text. The Latin original, which is indeed common to all languages, appears below.
Reflection and Meaning: The Healing Companion of the Journey
The story of Raphael is a parable of Providence: God takes care of His own often in a discreet way, through the very person we least expect. Throughout the entire journey, Tobias does not know that his companion is an angel. Only at the end does he discover it.
Why ask him precisely for "health"?
Because his very name is a promise: "God heals." We do not ask for magic, but for healing according to God's will, who can heal the body and always desires to heal the soul. Jesus constantly associated physical health with salvation: "Your faith has saved you" (Mark 10:52). Invoking Saint Raphael in the face of illness is placing it, with trust, into the hands of the God who heals, without demanding the how or the when.
"Accompany me on my journey"
Raphael is, above all, a traveling companion. That is why those who undertake a journey—physical or vital—invoke him: a change of city, a courtship, a new stage, the final journey of a sick person. Faith assures us that we do not walk alone: "See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you on the way" (Exodus 23:20). Asking for his company is recognizing that we need to be guided.
The Archangel of Encounters and Marriage
In the Book of Tobit, Raphael brings about a marriage healed of fear and evil. That is why many fiancés and spouses invoke him: so that their love may be free of "demons"—selfishness, wounds, distrust—and be grounded in God. The prayer of Tobias and Sarah on their wedding night, asking to live together until old age (cf. Tobit 8:4-7), remains a model of matrimonial prayer.
A Prayer for Today
There are those who pray it before a journey or an operation, those who say it for a beloved sick person, those who include it in their wedding preparation. It requires no complicated formula: it is enough to invoke him with trust and name the specific grace needed. Like Tobias, we may not see the companion God places at our side; but faith assures us that he is there, and that his name remains the same: "God heals."
The Angel Traveling Incognito
Raphael is the only archangel who is the protagonist of an entire narrative: the Book of Tobit. And he does so in a peculiar way: he accompanies young Tobias throughout the journey posing as a relative named Azariah, and only at the end reveals who he is.
Tob 12, 15
Hence his two patronages, which are not arbitrary. He is the patron of travelers because he made the entire journey, and of the sick because his name means "God heals" and in the narrative he restores sight to Tobias's father.
When to Pray
- On September 29, with Michael and Gabriel.
- Before a journey, which is his most popular patronage.
- In times of illness, whether one's own or that of a loved one.
You may also be interested in Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel the Archangel, the Guardian Angel.
In the store: keychains for the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Raphael mean?
"God heals." It fits his role in the Book of Tobit, where he restores sight to the protagonist's father.
Of what is he the patron?
Of travelers and the sick. The former because he accompanies Tobias throughout the journey; the latter because of his name and the healing in the narrative.
In which book of the Bible does he appear?
In the Book of Tobit, where he is the protagonist of the narrative accompanying young Tobias under the name Azariah and revealing his identity at the end.
When is his feast day?
September 29, along with Michael and Gabriel.
Sources
- Sacred Scripture: Tobit 5–12 (especially 12:15); Exodus 23:20; Mark 10:52.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 328-336 (the angels).
- Roman Calendar: Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels (September 29).
About the Author
This article is part of "Christian Prayers and Devotions", the Productos Religiosos series dedicated to rediscovering the treasure of Catholic prayer. We write from faith and with rigor, turning always to Scripture, the Catechism, and the living tradition of the Church, so that every prayer may once again be what it has always been: an encounter with God.
0 comments