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St. Raphael Novena:

The 9-Day Prayer for Healing, Travel, and Happy Meetings

Novena Begins:
September 20th
Feast Day:
September 29th
St Raphael and St Tobias

How to Pray the St. Raphael Novena

Follow this simple guide for nine consecutive days to seek the intercession of the Archangel Raphael.

  1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross.

  2. State your intention: Mention the specific healing, guidance, or traveler’s protection you are seeking.

  3. Recite the Novena Prayer: Use the powerful prayer provided below.

  4. Conclude with one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.

  5. Repeat for 9 days.

Tip: While the traditional novena begins on September 20th, leading up to the Feast of the Archangels, St. Raphael is a powerful intercessor for urgent medical needs or travel safety at any time of the year.

St. Raphael Daily Novena Prayer

Recite this prayer faithfully for each of the nine days of your novena.

Glorious Archangel Saint Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners.

I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels. Because you are the "medicine of God," I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body. I especially ask of you the favor:

(State your specific request or intention here)

...and the great grace of purity to prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit.

St. Raphael, of the glorious seven who stand before the throne of Him who lives and reigns, Angel of health, the Lord has filled your hand with balm from heaven to soothe or cure our pains. Heal or cure the victim of disease, and guide our steps when doubtful of our ways. Amen.

Say one Our Father...
Say one Hail Mary...
Say one Glory Be...

Why We Pray This Novena: The Medicine of God

St. Raphael is one of the three Archangels mentioned by name in Sacred Scripture. His name literally means "God Heals." We pray this novena when we are in need of:

  • Physical and Emotional Healing: Known as the "Angel of Health," he is the patron of those suffering from illness or undergoing surgery. Find more Prayers for Healing.

  • Safe Travels: Just as he guided Tobiah on his long journey, we ask him for protection during physical trips or new life transitions.

  • Finding a Spouse: St. Raphael is the patron of "happy meetings," specifically invoked by those seeking a holy and suitable marriage partner.

About St. Raphael: The Archangel of the Book of Tobit

The story of St. Raphael is most prominently found in the Old Testament Book of Tobit. Disguised as a human named Azarias, Raphael accompanied the young Tobiah on a perilous journey. During this mission, he provided protection from a demon, facilitated the meeting and marriage of Tobiah and Sarah, and eventually used a fish’s gall to heal Tobit’s blindness.

His actions demonstrate that he is a messenger of God's providence, sent to bind up wounds and guide us through the trials of life. In the Catholic hierarchy, Archangels are entrusted with the most significant missions for humanity, and St. Raphael remains a powerful protector for those who call upon him.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is St. Raphael the patron saint of?

St. Raphael is the patron saint of healing, physicians, nurses, travelers, the blind, and people seeking a spouse.

What is the "Prayer for a Happy Meeting"?

Because St. Raphael helped Tobiah find his wife, Sarah, many single Catholics pray to him for guidance in finding a holy spouse. This is often referred to as praying for a "happy meeting."

Why is St. Raphael called the "Medicine of God"?

His name in Hebrew translates to "God has healed" or "Medicine of God," reflecting his role in the healing of Tobit and his general mission of restoration.

Go Deeper with the Angelic Rosary

St. Raphael and all the Holy Angels, especially St. Michael, are here to assist us in our needs. Learn to pray the Chaplet of St. Michael the Archangel to invoke their heavenly assistance. 

More Novenas

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Download the FREE Covenant Network App!

No Subscriptions, NoPaywall, 100% Free!

Experience the richness of our Catholic Faith with the free Covenant Network app, now available on your iPhone or Android.

  • Listen to live Catholic radio from anywhere, 24/7!
  • Explore our visual prayer experiences including, the Visual Rosary, The Holy Face Chaplet, and the Stations of the Cross.
  • Dive into our full catalog of podcasts, including Roadmap to Heaven with Adam Wright, Lives of the Saints, Quo Vadis, and more.
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