THE ARCHANGEL RAPHAEL

Raphael – from the Hebrew רָפָאֵל (transliterated: Rafa’el), meaning “God has healed” – is mentioned in the book of Tobit (3:17; 5:4; 6:11.14.19; 7:9; 8:2-3; 9:1.5; 11:1.4.7; 12:6.15). Just like the names of the Archangels Saints Michael and Gabriel, Raphael’s also indicates a position of great importance. He was sent to the young Tobias to accompany him and guard him on his journey (4:1.2.20.21; 5:1-22), and to make him marry the young Sarah (6:11-13.19; 7:9.10.13; 10:10) and free her from the devil Asmodeus (3:8.17; 8:1-3), and to heal old Tobit from blindness (3:17; 11:1-14). Just like Michael and Gabriel, Raphael is also a superior angel, an Archangel. In fact, in the canonical texts at our disposal, not only is he one of the few celestial spirits to be known with a proper name and to whom are entrusted with tasks of great importance, but he is also one of the seven angels who are always in the presence of God (Tobit 12:15; Revelation 8:2). The term angel – from the Hebrew מַלְאַ֧ךְ (transliterated: malak) or from the Greek ἄγγελοσ (transliterated: ànghelos) – means “messenger” (2 Samuel 11:18; Matthew 11:10) and can also be applied to the superior spirits, the Archangels, since these can perform its functions. St. Raphael the Archangel is venerated by all Christian churches that admit the cult of Saints. In the Catholic liturgy, the Solemnity of St. Raphael the Archangel is celebrated on 29 September, together with the other two Archangels Saints Michael and Gabriel. While in the Orthodox liturgy it is celebrated on 8 November. In Christian art Raphael is always represented as a beautiful young man with eagle wings, accompanying the young Tobias on his journey. The paintings also feature a dog and a fish. All references to the book of Tobit (6:1-9). Other times Raffaele is represented together with Michele and Gabriele.