In the Book of Tobias, in the Old Testament, we read of the ministry of the holy archangel St. Raphael, protector and guardian of the sick. The Eastern Churches observed a feast in his honor since the year 1000. It is now universally celebrated throughout the Church. His name signifies “The healing of God”; he is one of the seven blessed spirits who always stand before the throne of God. He is identified by many Fathers of the Church as the angel who stirred the Pool of Bethsaida as related in the Gospel.

(Source: The New Roman Missal, Rev. F. X. Lasance)