Patron Saints Series: St. Raphael for Healing and Blindness {guest post by Veronica}
Heavenly Companion
She came into our world almost two weeks past her due date – a chubby cherub, welcomed with open arms. She was born healthy, with the exception of jaundice and low blood sugar, which was sure to stabilize soon.
After what seemed like a lifetime, we learned that the newest member of our family was born with septo-optic dysplasia – a rare congenital syndrome that affects the development of the brain. This syndrome has three characteristics: 1) the underdevelopment of the optic nerves, 2) the malformation or agenesis of the septum pellucidum, and 3) pituitary hypoplasia. In short, this precious baby was legally blind, missing a part of her brain, and had major hormone deficiencies.
It was time to call in my prayer warriors – on earth and in heaven! I had generally chosen personal patron saints for my own children based on their birthdays, names, or a similar characteristic they shared with a saint. This time, I was searching for a saint who had a direct connection to my niece’s disability and someone to support us with this new cross. So, I did what any good Catholic girl would do – a Google search!
My search resulted in three saints – St. Lucy, St. Odilia of Alsace, and St. Raphael the Archangel. While all three are wonderful, it was clear that St. Raphael the Archangel, was my guy!
In the book of Tobit, St. Raphael guides a young man on a journey, heals a man of his blindness, and brings comfort and peace to two desperate souls. Upon gathering more information, I learned that he is the patron saint of – among many things – travelers, the blind, and healing. Last, but not least, St. Raphael’s name means ‘God has healed.’ It was all so beautifully perfect!
Our Lord had gently guided me to St. Raphael the Archangel as an intercessor for my niece. I have prayed that he ask our Lord to guide my sister as she travels through this new land of raising a child with special needs. I have prayed that he ask our Lord to cure her of her blindness. I have prayed that he beg our Lord to bless my niece with a complete and miraculous healing.
St. Raphael has truly been a great comfort to me and my family during this journey with my niece. Although we don’t know her outcome, there is incredible peace we feel in having the ‘Medicine of God’ as our intercessor!
St. Raphael, the Divine Healer, pray for her… and us.
Veronica is wife to one, mother to three, and an early childhood special education teacher turned stay at home mom, trying to sanctify ordinary life to achieve the extraordinary! You can generally find her singing, listening to music, running after her kiddos, cleaning up like a lunatic, guzzling H2O, or visiting her mommy (they live on the same street)! Find her blogging at www.histrueimage.com
Love St. Rafael! St. Rafael pray for us and especially your family, Veronica. Beautiful story. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much and I truly appreciate your prayers… they keep me going!! <3