Image: Raphael By Gustave Doré – English Bible, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10716938
By now you are very aware of our campaign to create sacred art for families impacted by dementia and how includes a new patron saint of the ministry, St. Raphael.
But why St. Raphael the Archangel?
I’ll give you answers and will leave you with an enjoyable and edifying reading assignment.
This special saint came to my attention recently on June 4, 2021, when I stopped my car at a traffic light. The was a lawn sign for Raphael Academy, a school in New Orleans. Signal grace #1. The very next day at First Saturday Mass, I approached Norman Faucheux, the sacred artist that would later commission. Not only is his son named Raphael, but Norman immediately suggested adding Raphael to the project after I explained what I was looking for. Signal grace #2. Later that day, a prayer card that had been ‘standing’ in a dresser valet in my bedroom caught my eye. I always knew it was a prayer card, but on this day, I picked it up. You guessed it; it was St. Raphael. Signal grace #3.
It was not until Norman encouraged me to read the Book of Tobit in the Old Testament that I understood why St. Raphael is very significant.
Here are some (non-specific) highlights of the Book of Tobit, a 40-minute read that I hope you feel moved to enjoy tonight:
- Raphael is sent by God to assist a man and a woman (who do not know each other) who are in such despair that they pray to die
- He takes on the identity of a human to assist
- He uses a fish, no less, to heal someone and to bind a demon (but how?!)
- The stories of the man and woman converge in the end
- Though there is suffering, those afflicted are still loyal to God and He blesses them abundantly
Wow- It was really difficult to not tell you the whole plot! I am excited for those who will read it soon!
After reading, let me know what you think!
http://www.drbo.org/chapter/17001.htm Chapters 1-14
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2D5LDKuhICo. audio on YouTube
