Angel of Happy Meetings

 

Prayer to Saint Raphael, Angel of Happy Meetings

O Raphael, lead us towards those we are waiting for, those who are waiting for us! Raphael, Angel of Happy Meetings, lead us by the hand towards those we are looking for! May all our movements, all their movements, be guided by your Light and transfigured by your joy.

Angel guide of Tobias, lay the request we now address to you at the feet of Him on whose unveiled Face you are privileged to gaze. Lonely and tired, crushed by the separations and sorrows of earth, we feel the need of calling to you and of pleading for the protection of your wings, so that we may not be as strangers in the Province of Joy, all ignorant of the concerns of our country.

Remember the weak, you who are strong -- you whose home lies beyond the region of thunder, in a land that is always peaceful, always serene, and bright with the resplendent glory of God.

Amen.


Ave Maria!  In the Extraordinary Form of the Mass, today is the feast of the Archangel Raphael.  Once again I post this beautiful prayer to him, the Angel of Happy Meetings.  Lately, for inexplicable reasons, I've been very much feeling "lonely and tired, crushed by the separations and sorrows of earth."  Praying to St. Raphael comforts and strengthens me as I make my way through this "valley of tears."  I can almost hear St. Raphael saying to me, "Carry on, my child.  Carry on!  Do not be disheartened.  Follow me, and I will lead you safely home."

As an aside, the icon of St. Raphael above, done in the santero style of a retablo, was created by Gabriel Vigil of Santa Fe, NM.  That's all I know at this moment but maybe later I will learn more from the Web.