Of the Seven Archangels, who in both Jewish and Christian tradition are venerated as standing before the throne of God, three only are mentioned by name in the Bible: St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael. The other four are well-known from ancient tradition: St. Uriel, St. Barachiel, St. Jehudiel, and St. Sealtiel. These have been venerated in the Church from early times, especially in the East, but it was not till the pontificate of Pope Benedict XV that the liturgical feasts of St. Gabriel and St. Raphael were made obligatory throughout the Latin Church. Holy Mother Church has assigned St. Raphael's own feastday to October 24.

It would seem that God has appointed the Angel Raphael His minister for the province of joy. The Book of Tobias shows us unhappiness followed by happiness. It tells us how Raphael appeared to the pious family of Tobias and led them by the hand away from their sadness into the peace and the glory of joy. As Tobias begins his journey with St. Raphael, his father's last prayer is that his Angel accompany him. And when Tobias and Sara leave, Raguel and Anna make a similar petition. Belief, then, in the Holy Angels is a part of the faith of those who are being favored with the presence of one of Seven who stand before the throne of God.

What a flood of light the Book of Tobias sheds on God and His hidden ways of directing men and their affairs! In this drama you observe that St. Raphael, magnificent in his humility, hides himself while the characters suffer, in order that he may serve them better. The higher a creature, the more humble he is! That God increase and he decrease is the holy ambition which inflames his zeal. Veiling his real nature by the form of a man, and his activities by human circumstances, St. Raphael gently controls the outcome of events for those who follow his inspirations.

Young Tobias obeys his unknown guide, and because he obeys, his path is made smooth before him. As he journeys beside the Angel in simple obedience, Raphael directs every moment in light, although to the young man all appears in darkness. Everything follows a marvelous plan. The marriage of the young man offers many dangers. But the Angel Raphael is there, and sadness vanishes.

Although he is an Angel of Light, Raphael appears in no resplendent form; he uses no dramatic display of heavenly power. But working quietly through a series of human circumstances he brings to those who hire him for wages the promise of joy and healing. Although he is Angel of Travelers and Angel of Joy, the journey is not without hazard, not without bitter trials and tears. His beautiful role consists in directing Tobias to use wisely the dangers which he encounters. Evils yield blessings for himself and those whom he loves. By his journey the young man did all that he had intended, and much more than he could have planned. A series of glorious events owe their rise to successive angelic inspirations, faithfully obeyed.

St. Raphael's first salutation upon entering the house of Tobias is "joy." Referring to the elder Tobias who lived forty-two years after his cure, Holy Scripture says, "The rest of his life was in joy, and with great increase of the fear of God he departed in peace." When St. Raphael's work is finished with marvelous completeness, and time brings back every joy which it took away and a thousand more, we read at the end of the Book these words about Tobias, his son: "With joy they buried him." St. Raphael's promise is indeed fulfilled! Return of joy redoubled is the theme of the Book of Tobias. From the moment that St. Raphael, Angel of Joy, makes his entrance into the drama of Tobias, deliverance is near and a triumphant ending is assured. God uses an Angel to manifest His power and glory. This "figure of His Providence" leads to health and happiness for those who trust him. Tobias is safely led back home, money is returned, sight is restored, and life is returned to Tobias when death threatened. At the end, when St. Raphael has led his charges to joy, he appears in order to give the only genuine glory there is — glory to God. The glory of God made evident in the Book of Tobias consists in God's yielding to the prayers of His children. His glory and our joy become one.

In all of Raphael's dealings with you, you will learn to view life from God's point of view. God to him is the only Reality. As he journeys disguised by your side, he points everywhere to God, he teaches you to appreciate His greatness everywhere, to see Him first and last. God sends His messenger to instruct and to comfort you if you yield to his holy influence as Tobias did. Thus St. Raphael brings you joy because he brings you to God. You are not spared your natural fears and doubts. But when confided to him, they soon vanish. Only as you journey on with him do you realize the preparations which were made. One lesson is evident— you need faith! Sanctity is the perfection of this virtue which St. Raphael would have you practice at every step of your way. His promise is joy at the end. He will keep his promise for he is the Angel of Joy.

Raphael is called "the Remedy of God." The names of the Archangels signify a single outstanding operation which each performs in fulfilling the designs of Providence. Thus St. Michael is commissioned to exercise the Power of God — to ratify special decrees, to execute particular judgments, to prevent Satan and his hordes from transgressing too far. St. Gabriel is commissioned to announce the more important supernatural truths, to manifest mysteries, to strengthen faith and hope. Pope St. Gregory calls St. Raphael "the Remedy of God." His office is to heal. He is then by excellence the Angel of the Sick.

Humanly speaking, we owe our rather complete revelation of St. Raphael's sojourn on earth to the piety of two persons: one, the elder Tobias; the other, his future daughter-in-law, Sara. Tobias had been stricken with blindness, and Sara had been persecuted by a devil. At the same time, though many miles apart from each other, they asked God to pity and help them. And the Scripture tells us (Tobias 11:24) "the prayers of them both were heard and the holy Angel of the Lord, St. Raphael, was sent to heal them both, whose prayers at one time were rehearsed in the sight of the Lord."

St. Raphael's own account of himself and his mission to the Tobias family will bear repetition. "When you; Tobias, were praying, and with tears . . . I, all the while, was offering that prayer of yours to the Lord. Then, because you had His favor, it was necessary that trials should come and test your worth. And now, for your healing, for the deliverance of your son's wife Sara, from the attack of the evil spirit, He has chosen me for His messenger. Who am I? I am the Angel Raphael, and my place is among those Seven who stand in the presence of the Lord."From the beginning of history St. Raphael has been God's chief agent in administering to the sick. Perhaps the Archangel's most constant occupation among mortals was to guard the sick from the attacks of the evil spirits. On countless occasions he was sent to carry out Divine decrees of miraculous cures. In addition, he was, of course, regularly engaged in offering the prayers of those who were in good faith.

In Her liturgy concerning the sick and the dying, the Church is most alert to danger from diabolical attack, and most insistent on the need we have of the help of the Angels. By Her advice and example she earnestly desires us to invoke their aid. We need them in our normal life, but we need them particularly when we are sick, for then we are definitely in danger. The Church's prayers for the sick and the dying contain so many petitions to keep demons away and send good Angels to protect the patient. The Angels know medicine as no physician can hope to know it, and in general their interest is to cure sickness and restore the patient to a complete use of all his faculties. We should enlist to our advantage this angelic activity, especially in the case of St. Raphael who has been chosen by God as the Healer of the Sick.

When St. Raphael appears, all evils which he touches are healed by one means or another. The monstrous fish attacks Tobias on the first night that he travels with St. Raphael. But the enemy proves to be his salvation, when he follows the counsels of his guide who tells him to grasp it by the gill and draw it toward him. The Angel instructs Tobias to take out the entrails of the fish and lay up the heart and gall and liver. "For these," he said, "are necessary for useful medicines." Tobias does not foresee any use for the heart and liver of the fish. But when he is told to marry Sara, "remembering the Angel's word, he took out of his bag part of the liver, and laid it upon the burning coal." Later it is used as a cure for the blindness of his father. The fish is the symbol of Christ to whom Raphael leads us at once as the Medicine of all our ills of soul and body.

Moreover, Raphael acts with singular simplicity, though the affairs in question are in themselves very complicated. "I am," says the Angel, "Azarias, son of Ananias; I am the help of the Lord, coming out of the Cloud." He conceals himself under the form of a man's name; likewise he conceals his angelic action under the form of man's human adventures. He gives fortune, health, a wife, light, vision, joy. He shows that God is there, present and willing to help. He gives these blessings as coming from God. Things which are impossible to men are possible to God. When Omnipotence speaks, there is no room except for simplicity.

The Book of Tobias suggests that it is God's will to cure the maladies of mankind through the Angel Whom He wished to call Raphael, which in Hebrew means, "God has healed." But many identify St. Raphael with the "Angel of the Lord" mentioned in the fifth chapter of Saint John's gospel, because of the meaning of his name and because of his healing role in the Book of Tobias. The Gospel of the Mass is taken from Saint John's Gospel referring to the pool called Probatica, where the multitude of the infirm lay awaiting the moving of the water, for "An angel of the Lord used to come down at certain times in the pool, and the water was moved. And the first to go down into the pool after the moving of the water was cured of whatever infirmity he bad."

The hymns used in the Office of St. Raphael's feast recall the healing power of the Archangel and his victory over the demon. In fact, the two proper hymns dwell on this mission alone, for example, the hymn for Vespers contains the following prayer: "May the Angel Raphael, physician in care of our health, come down from Heaven to cure all who are sick and to solve the difficult problems of life." And the hymn at Lauds makes this direct appeal: "Be with us, O Archangel, called the Medicine of God; drive away diseases of the body and bring good health to our minds." As these prayers indicate, the Remedy of God is for both the soul and body. A troubled mind, especially a conscience burdened with sin, is the first concern of the Angelic Healer. We are "sick" not only when we labor under some bodily affliction, but also when we suffer from pride, sensuality, spiritual discouragement, indifference to actual grace, lack of charity, of courage, of fervor in prayer. Even when we are bewildered by the problems of life, even when domestic cares seem too much for us, even then we need the care of St. Raphael. Indeed, he never considers us "cured" until he has brought us "the peace of God which surpasses understanding." If to that end a miracle is required, we may rely on him to procure it.

Over a long period of nineteen centuries the cult of St. Raphael among Christian peoples was restricted and informal. In fact, it was Pope Benedict XV who established universally the Archangel's feast with a proper Mass and Office. God has selected these times of ours to institute a universal and concentrated movement to foster the great Archangel's love for us and secure his powerful intercession. There was never a time when healing the sick was not dear to the Heart of God, so it is significant that the twentieth century should have been chosen as the dawn of an era of more intense, more extensive devotion to St. Raphael. If the faithful follow the inspired lead of the Church in furthering this devotion, the coming years will see miracles of healing multiplied everywhere. Heavenly Physician, Angelic Healer, the Remedy of God — these certainly are titles to challenge our faith in the ways of Providence. They are not man-given titles; they are simply equivalents of the name God Himself revealed. St. Raphael is God's Own prescription for our ills, for the complete cure of a world that is sick.

Entrust your pains and illnesses to St. Raphael. He will teach you why you suffer. To know this "why" will make your pain more endurable. Although you do not naturally like suffering, you can reconcile yourself to it if you are convinced that it leads to joy, and that the light and strength of God are with you at the moment of need if you ask for these gifts. Pain is power if you bear it for the love of God. Pain with love is a beautiful sacrifice to God, a fruitful means of sanctification for your soul and of merit for eternity.

St. Raphael will give you peace of mind. The fruits of the spirit are charity, joy, peace and patience. Patience will bring you peace, and peace with its resultant joy will conduct you to love, your aim and goal. Your trouble may continue, but a work of surpassing beauty will meanwhile be accomplished within your soul. Quietly the Angel of Peace will prepare the way for God to come more intimately into your life, and to your utter surprise you will discover suddenly that you are above the pain. You can at last look upon the cause of the affliction and rest calmly undisturbed, for the strength of peace has come.

As you deal with the Angel Raphael, you always see afterwards that the time at which he worked was beautifully right. Tobias finds Raphael outside his very door and ready for a journey. No time is consumed searching for him. You would suppose that Raphael, with special power over the evil spirit, Asmodeus, would cast him out immediately, or that this Heavenly Physician would cure instantaneously the blind eyes of the old Tobias. Both of these actions require time: the first, three days and nights: the second, half an hour. You can say that events do not happen "on time" according to our earthly views, but just at the favorable moment ordained by God.

Never can you guess when St. Raphael will work. It is best then to leave the time and manner of action to his wisdom; yet on your own part do all that you feel inspired to do to obtain help, and bear all delays bravely. God's thoughts are not your thoughts, nor His ways your ways, therefore, you need to readjust your plans constantly as you travel with St. Raphael, the figure of God's Providence.

Because of the cure of blindness mentioned in the Book of Tobias, St. Raphael is invoked as Patron of physicians and of those who are afflicted with illness, especially with any eye disease. Invoke him in any illness or affliction of the mind or body. God has ordained that St. Raphael should ever remain "the Remedy of God" for suffering mankind. This kind Angel can perform cures for you, too, if you confide in his intercession as Tobias did.

Angels, like all intelligent creatures, possess individual traits. It may be that from the beginning St. Raphael was endowed with a special sympathy for human suffering and was thus providentially equipped for his office of "physician in care of our health." At any rate, his constant attendance at the bedside of the sick, and his frequent response to the prayers of those who were troubled in mind and spirit, must have fostered in his heart an increasing kindness and tenderness toward mankind.

"A brother helped by a brother is like a strong city." St. Raphael proves himself to be truly a brother — sometimes by his own direct inspirations, sometimes by arranging that others aid you — and invariably you find him "a tower of strength and a kindly light," especially in illness. You see in his care for you, the care of our all-merciful Heavenly Father, Who uses him as an instrument either to cure you or to help you to take up your cross daily and follow Jesus. The important task of bearing your cross will not be quite so difficult if you walk with St. Raphael.

Among the Angels, Saint Raphael is a special patron of youth. God has made this known by the beautiful Biblical account of St. Raphael's devotedness to the youth Tobias. The Angel Raphael took Tobias under his special care and protected him from the dangers that beset his journey to a strange country. He preserved Tobias pure in a pagan world, and delivered Sara from the power of the evil spirits. He will also help you in the struggle against your three greatest enemies: the world, the flesh, and the Devil.

The decision of supreme importance in the life of a young man or woman is the choice of a lifetime helpmate. The consequences of that choice are serious and far-reaching; they penetrate into the whole of their earthly life, even into eternity. Upon that selection hinge to a large extent the hopes of their happiness both here and hereafter. Hence that decision should be made with the greatest care, prudence, and wisdom of which a person is capable, and, above all, in the spirit of earnest prayer.

Saint Raphael is the Angel of happy meetings and a wise choice. Through him the young Tobias was led to his future bride. Although there were many suitable young women to choose from, he had never felt sure of himself till St. Raphael arranged a meeting with Sara, a person of rare beauty and high moral qualities. She was God's choice of a companion for His servant Tobias, and through the Angel Raphael He made His choice known. Today, as in the long ago, Raphael helps people to find peace and happiness. He has a way of uniting people. Just as he unites, so he separates individuals when it is a matter of wisdom, when their union would result in harm to either one or to them both.

But you must trust your Angel-Friend as Tobias did. Bring your difficulties to his attention in earnest prayer. Seek his protection against the temptations that may lie in your path. He will protect you with as much devotion as he protected young Tobias if only you make him your patron and your friend. You will never go wrong trusting this Angel who in the Providence of God may have been destined to guide you safely through the dangerous time of courtship to a happy marriage.

A list of the archangel's activities would be incomplete without mention of his "visits" to ordinary households. Merely paying visits seems to be an unimportant occupation for so great a personage, and yet by his own testimony such acts of kindness were probably frequent.

St. Raphael's devotedness to young Tobias shows itself in the ordinary daily things of life. Tobias obeys the Angel under all circumstances and in spite of his own inclinations. He obeys the Angel and subdues the monster which then yields food and medicine. He obeys the Angel and meets Raguel, and finally Sara who brings him happiness and prosperity. He obeys the Angel and hastens on ahead of Sara to meet his father and mother. At the end when Tobias obediently offers St. Raphael gifts, he finds out that his guide is an Angel of the Lord.

Among the most lovely revelations of St. Raphael are those courtesies of his which are connected with your own ordinary daily life. He uses any circumstance, for grace can attach itself to anything. In all types of needs from getting relief from a headache to getting a death-bed conversion, St. Raphael will manage you and your affairs magnificently if only you trust and obey him as Tobias did on his journey. His judgment is always excellent, and his methods are irreproachable. You will discover that this powerful spirit can understand your problems and feelings in the trivial affairs of your everyday life, and he does so with sweet and tender care. He eases troubles, sends little inspirations, gratifies little desires, revives and fulfills hopes that seemed dead and buried, and humors your very whims, until he attracts your love and confidence.

Something that you have asked for or that you need in your work or living seems suddenly beset by difficulties. You are overwhelmed with the impossibility of the thing. Then suddenly all obstacles are somehow cleared away. The desired end comes about, apparently in all simplicity and naturalness. At such times you will know that St. Raphael was at work. His every act is characterized by sincerity and directness. But he does let you see the obstacles which stand in the way of what you want.

The wide scope of St. Raphael's activity in the affair of salvation may be seen from young Tobias' grateful acknowledgement of all the Archangel did for him and his family: "He it was that escorted me safely, going and coming; recovered the debt from Gabelus; won my bride; rid her of the evil spirit's attack, engaged the gratitude of her parents; rescued me from the fish; and restored to you the light of day. Through him, we have been blessed with great benefits. Is it possible to make any return for all these?" And we should add to this list of benefits a very important one which the Archangel mentioned to the elder Tobias: "When you, Tobias, were praying, and with tears... I, all the while, was offering that prayer of yours to the Lord."

Turn with increasing confidence to your heavenly Guide as you walk with him on your journey through life, and beg him to supply your known wants and, above all, those of which you are ignorant. Your need will be supplied in a most unexpected manner. In the end he will never disappoint your trust.

St. Raphael is the patron of those who travel, and with even more Divine approval than even dear St. Christopher. With accidents in travelling as numerous as they are, one feels safer after calling for the aid of the Angel whom God chose to guide Tobias on his perilous journey. The Church has long sanctioned the practice of praying to St. Raphael before setting out on a trip.

If you choose Raphael as your Angel Guide and obey him as young Tobias did, he will set the eyes of your soul on the Heavenly City toward which he is guiding you. Walk with St. Raphael who directs your steadfast gaze ever toward Him Who is the Light, the Soul of your soul. The Sacred Humanity of Christ, symbolized by the fish whose gall gave vision to old Tobias, will then become your Light, as well as your Healing from sin.

As Angel of the Last Anointing, Raphael will be with you to assist your soul as it makes the final journey from Time to Eternity. If during your sojourn here on earth he has been most solicitous for your welfare, who can tell the power and goodness which you will experience as you are about to journey toward God, to Whom you have waited for a lifetime to be united, but Who on His part has waited for you from eternity? It will be St. Raphael's hour of triumph. He will then receive the wages for his efforts, if he can bring you secure at last before the Face of Him on Whom the Angels desire to gaze.

Saint Raphael, Patron Angel of Youth, I beg thee to plead with God for me that I may always keep my life pure and holy. As thou didst guard the young Tobias from dangers of soul and body on his journey to a strange land, protect me from the many dangers that confront me in my life. Strengthen me in my struggle against the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the Devil.

I pray and beg thee, glorious Saint Raphael, to be my Patron Angel of purity. By thy great love for Jesus, the King of the Angels, and for Mary, the Immaculate Queen of the Angels, keep me from all uncleaness, and grant that my mind may be untainted, my heart pure, and my body chaste. May I receive the "Bread of Angels" in Holy Communion frequently, that It may be an effective remedy and protection against the temptations that press round about me, and seal my heart forever against the suggestions of sinful pleasures. Help me always to serve Jesus and Mary in perfect chastity, so that one day I may merit to belong to those of whom Jesus spoke: "Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God." Amen.