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WHO IS ST RAPHAEL?
St Raphael is one of the three Archangels
mentioned in sacred scripture. The other two being Michael and Gabriel. His
feast day was formally held on the 24th October. It is now
combined with the other two Archangels on the 29th September.
The name Raphael means ‘God has healed’ and St Raphael has often been venerated, especially in the East as a great healer. He is mentioned in the Old Testament book of Tobit. Here he acts as a guide for the young Tobias on his trip to Media. On his return he cures Tobias’ father, Tobit, of his blindness with the oil of a fish. Only then does he reveal his true identity. ‘I am Raphael, one of the angels who stands ever ready to enter the Presence of God.’
The figure of St
Raphael and the young Tobias is depicted in the central
window high above the High Altar. The picture of St Raphael above is a
detail from the central stained glass window.
Collect from the feast of St Raphael
O God who didst give blessed Raphael the Archangel as a companion to Thy servant Tobias when on his journey; grant to us Thy servants, that we may ever be protected by his guardianship and strengthened by his assistance.
More on St Raphael from the Catholic Encyclopaedia