Roman Missal, 24 October

Prayer to Saint Raphael the Archangel

The angel who walked with Tobias — patron of travellers and of the sick

LatinEnglish

Deus, qui beátum Raphaélem Archángelum Tobíæ fámulo tuo cómitem dedísti in via: concéde nobis fámulis tuis; ut eiusdem semper protegámur custódia et muniámur auxílio. Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum Fílium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia sæcula sæculórum.

O God, who gave the blessed Archangel Raphael to your servant Tobias as a companion on his journey, grant to us your servants that we may always be guarded by his protection and strengthened by his help. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

SourceRoman Missal, 24 October · The angel who walked with Tobias — patron of travellers and of the sick

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The history of this prayer

In the Book of Tobit the archangel Raphael travels with young Tobias on a long journey without revealing who he is, saves him from danger, prepares his marriage to Sarah and heals his father's blindness. Only at the end does he say: “I am the angel Raphael, one of the seven who stand before the Lord” (Tobit 12:15). His name means “God heals”.

This prayer is the collect of the former feast of St Raphael on 24 October, which Benedict XV extended to the whole Church in 1921. Today he is celebrated with St Michael and St Gabriel on 29 September.

Frequently asked questions

What is St Raphael the patron of?

Of travellers, the sick, doctors and those seeking a good marriage, because of the story of Tobias and Sarah.

Where does the Bible speak of St Raphael?

In the Book of Tobit, above all chapters 5 to 12.

When is St Raphael's feast?

On 29 September, with the other archangels. In the traditional calendar, on 24 October.

More prayers: The angels

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