The Archangel Raphael appears only in the Book of Tobit in the Old Testament where he makes himself known as “Raphael, one of the seven angels who enter and serve before the Glory of the Lord” (Tobit 12:15). He is the one who presented Tobit’s and Sarah’s prayers before God and who was commissioned to heal Tobit’s blindness. Hence, the Archangel’s mission is expressed in his name which translated means ‘God has healed’; as in general the word ‘angel’ refers first to the mission which angels receive from God rather than to the nature of these celestial beings.
Among the angels and archangels mentioned in sacred scripture, Saint Raphael is a special patron to the young. God has made this known through the beautiful biblical account of Raphael's devotedness to the young Tobias as his traveling companion. Disguised in human form, the Angel Raphael took Tobias under his special care and protected him from the many dangers that beset his journey. He helped Tobias remain pure in a pagan world and delivered his wife Sarah from the power of the evil spirits.
Tobit, his son Tobias and wife Sarah were beset by many trials and difficulties, but they remained steadfast in their faith and eventually enjoyed God's blessings and mercy. All prayed for deliverance and God sent the Archangel Raphael to help and heal.
As Young Adults Catholics under the patronage of Saint Raphael, we ask God to send to us this angel, as he did to Tobias, to be our guide, friend, adviser and companion on our journey. We pray that St. Raphael may bring us clarity of vision in the midst of a confusing world, peace in turmoil, and security in uncertainty. May St. Raphael help protect us against all evil, dangers and trials that might befall us and heal our blindness so that we might see Christ in the people and experiences of our journey.
Prayer
Blessed Saint Raphael, the Archangel,
We beseech You to help us in all our needs and trials of this life,
as You, through the power of God, did restore sight and give guidance to young Tobias.
We humbly seek Your aid and intercession,
that our souls may be healed, our bodies protected from all ills,
and
that, through divine grace, we may be made fit
to dwell in the eternal Glory of God in heaven.
Amen.
