Feast of St. Raphael

Saint Raphael, whose name in Hebrew means "God has healed", is one of the seven angels who "stand before the Lord" (Tobias 12:15). In Latin, sanctus (saint) translates to holy. There is no doubt as to Raphael's holiness, therefore it is accurate to call him by the title of Saint.
Many believe that Raphael was the "Angel of the Lord" mentioned in John 5:4 who stired the waters at the pool of Bethsaida in order to cure the infirm. He is, however, mostly known from the book of Tobias. Here we learn about Tobias the younger who had to travel to collect a debt for his ailing father, Tobias the elder.  Before he sets out on his journey, he mets up with Saint Raphael, unaware, however, of his heavenly dignity.  Through the course of their journey, many exciting events transpire. (Feel free to read the details yourself in the book of Tobias.)  It is not until young Tobias returns that he finds out he has been keeping company with an Angel of the Lord. It is due to the miracles obtained for Tobias that Saint Raphael is know as the patron of happy and holy marriage, travelers, the sick, and those in financial distress.  He is also referred to as the "Physician of God" since the Bible tells us "The Holy Angel of the Lord, Raphael, was sent to heal them" (Tobias 3:25)
God sent Saint Raphael to assis the younger Tobias largely because of the great piety and patience of Tobias the Elder.  He had a "perfect resignation to the will of God.  His humble prayer was heard, and the angel Raphael was sent to relieve him: he is thankful and praises the Lord, calling on the children of Israel to do the same" (Douay-Rheims notes on the book of Tobias)
Although we may not be as Holy as Tobias the Elder, we can beseech God for his diving mercy by means of prayer.  According to St. Alphonsus, God grants everyone the grace of prayer and wishes that all should make constant use of this grace, in order to obtain all other necessary graces.  We should pray without ceasing, but we can call on the aide of our dear friends in heaven, who are only too glad to assist us in our prayers. This practice was part of the church as early as the year 100 AD, and  actually started with the Jews, who would honor prophets and holy people with shrines. There are many examples of people in the Bible interceding for others, (Moses in Exodus 32; Jeremias in Jer. 7:15; Aaron  in Num. 16:46) so we can have confidence that God will hear the prayers of his saints that intercede for us - especially on their feast day! So why not take advantage of the Feast of St. Raphael and ask him to intercede for you!

Prayer to St. Raphael for Help

O Glorious Archangel, St Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, illustrious by thy gifts of wisdom and grace, guide of travelers by land and sea, consoler of the unfortunate and refuge of sinners, I entreat thee, help me in all my needs and in all the trials of this life, as tho didst once assist the young Tobias in his journeyings. And since thou are the "phusician" of God, I humbly pray thee to heal my soul of its many infirmities and my body of the ills that afflict it, if  this favor be for my greater good. I ask especially for angelic purity, that I may be made fit to be the living temple of the Holy Ghost.

Amen