St. Raphael the Archangel: Feast Day, Patronage & Prayers

Feast day: September 29 (Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels)

Patron of: Travelers, the sick, physicians and nurses, and those seeking a good spouse.

About St. Raphael the Archangel

St. Raphael, whose name means "God heals," is known to us from the Book of Tobit, one of the most tender stories in the Old Testament. Disguised as a traveling companion named Azarias, he guides young Tobias on a long journey, protects him from danger, helps him marry the good and much-tried Sarah, and gives him a remedy that restores the sight of his blind father Tobit. Only at the end does he reveal who he is: "I am the angel Raphael, one of the seven, who stand before the Lord."

Because of this story, Christians turn to St. Raphael for safe journeys, for healing of body and soul, and for help in finding a faithful husband or wife. Physicians, nurses, and pilgrims have long claimed him as a friend. The Church celebrates him on September 29 with Sts. Michael and Gabriel. His story reminds us that God often sends help quietly, through companions we do not yet recognize, and that He cares about the ordinary roads of our lives.

Prayers to St. Raphael the Archangel on Daily Catholic Prayers

• Chaplet of St. Michael the Archangel

• Collects of the Three Archangels: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael

• Litany of the Saints

• Prayer After a Difficult Diagnosis

• Prayer Before a Job Interview

• Prayer Before Surgery

• Prayer for a Child Leaving for College

• Prayer for an Engaged Couple

• Prayer for Dating and Discerning a Spouse, with St. John Paul II

• Prayer for Travelers

• Prayer of Tobias and Sarah for Married Couples

• Prayer to St. Christopher, Patron of Travelers

• Prayer to St. Gabriel the Archangel

• Prayer to St. Raphael the Archangel

• St. Michael the Archangel Prayers for Michaelmas (September 29)

Learn more: “St. Raphael the Archangel” in the Catholic Encyclopedia (New Advent)

Browse every saint in our Catalog of Saints A–Z.

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