Saint Raphael
I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand before the glory of the Lord
Introduction
St. Raphael the Archangel is one of the three Archangels whose names have been revealed (along with the Archangels Michael and Gabriel) and may very well be the Archangel of our time. He is the Archangel for healing, couples, vocations, —all things that address the greatest challenges of our nation. He is often depicted as holding the light of God, symbolic of the lantern that he held in leading the young Tobias on his way, leading him on the path that God had desired for him, presents our prayers before the throne of God, and is a protector for us against the antagonism of demons.
This painting of the Archangel Raphael was commissioned in 2023 in order to aid in ministry to families undergoing significant challenges and brokenness.
The Archangel Raphael is depicted in the bedroom of Tobias and Sara on the night of their marriage. The couple is shown in prayer, as described in the book of Tobit, while the Archangel has bound the demon Asmodean, who had been attached to Sara.
Raphael
The Archangel is draped with green, a traditional color used in iconography of the Archangel Raphael. He is depicted having defeated and bound the demon Asmodean, showing the strength of his protection and ascending with the cloud of incense as he accompanies the prayers of Tobias and Sara to God. He is also shown wearing the brown scapular, an homage to the Carmelite Order and the protection granted by Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.
Tobias & Sara
The newly married Tobias and Sara are shown kneeling in prayer on their wedding night. Sara wears a crown of roses, both as a sign of her marriage night and giving honor to the Mother of God.
Top Frame
Tu fecisti Adam de limo terrae dedistique ei adiutorium Evam: You made Adam from the slime of the earth, and gave to him Eve for a helper. Taken from the nuptial prayer of Tobias and Sara is written on the top frame of the bed.
At the top center of the frame is the sphere and traditional icon depicting Raphael as one who had been sent by God.
Curtains
The fish (sea monster) which Raphael slayed in to keep Tobias safe on his journey, along with the knife that was used to cut open the face. The liver and heart was later used in the defeat of the demon Asmodean and the gall bladder used in the restoration of sight and healing of Tobit.
Underneath Panels
At the bottom of the bed frame are three panels, representing other scenes from the Book of Tobit. The left panel shows Tobias and Sara praying from their homes. These were the prayers that Raphael presented to God. The middle panel shows the encounter with the fish (sea monster). The right panel depicts Tobias and Raphael on the journey ad the angel shines the light of God on the path ahead.
Roses & Lilies
Sara wears a crown of roses, a nod toward the Blessed Virgin Mary and Lillies adorn the corner of the bed, as well as placed on the bed table in honor of St. Joseph.
Medicine Spoon & Box
Setting on the bed table is a small medicine spoon and box, similar to what is depicted in ancient icons of Christ the Physician. These indicate Raphael’s place as healer.
Incense
The cloud of incense rises from the incense bowl in the back, signifying the prayer being offered by Tobias and Sara, and Raphael’s role in presenting the offerings of prayers as a bowl of incense before the throne of God.
The Dog
The dog plays an enigmatic role in the account given in the book of Tobit. He is a companion to Raphael and Tobias on the journey. Sacred scripture is clear in telling us that the dog went with them on the journey and returned home as well. He is considered a sign of loyalty and protection. The dog shown is a miniature Irish setter, modeled after the first dog of the priest who had the artwork commissioned.
Asmodean
The demon is depicted bound and defeated by the Raphael.