The Raphaelites

St. Raphael is one of the seven Archangels who stand before the throne of the Lord. He appears, by name, only in the Book of Tobit. Raphael's name means "God heals." Disguised as a human in the Book of Tobit, Raphael refers to himself as "Azarias the son of the great Ananias" and travels alongside Tobit's son, Tobiah. Once Raphael returns from his journey with Tobiah, he declares to Tobit that he was sent by the Lord to heal his blindness and deliver Sarah, Tobiah's future wife, from the demon Asmodeus. It is then that his true healing powers are revealed and he makes himself known as "the angel Raphael, one of the seven, who stand before the Lord" Tobit 12:15. The demon Asmodeus killed every man Sarah married on the night of the wedding, before the marriage could be consummated. Raphael guided Tobiah and taught him how to safely enter the marriage with Sarah.Raphael is credited with driving the evil spirit from Sarah and restoring Tobit's vision, allowing him to see the light of Heaven and for receiving all good things through his intercession.

The Raphaelites seek to honor St. Raphael and seek his powerful intercession everyday by praying this short prayer! 

Glorious Archangel St. Raphael, you are a guide of those who journey throughout the world, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners. We choose you as our patron and wish to love and obey you as young Tobias did. We want you to be our guide and counselor in all the dangerous and difficult problems and decisions of our lives. Because you are the “medicine of God” we humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of our souls and the ills that afflict our bodies. We ask for the great grace of purity to prepare us to be the temples of the Holy Spirit. We especially ask you to pray for all our intentions and that the whole world joins us. We ask this all in the Name of Jesus. Amen