St Raphael travels with Tobias (Tobit 4:1-2; 5:1-22)

The book of Tobit is named after its central figure, a Jewish man named Tobit, who lived in Nineveh with his wife, Anna, and their son, Tobias. It speaks to the importance of marriage, family, prayer and almsgiving, as well as the need to be patient when suffering.

The story begins with Tobit working at the court of the Babylonian king. He used his wealth to help the needy and even risked his life to ensure that executed prisoners received a proper burial. Despite his good deeds, a freak accident caused him to go blind.

Plunged into poverty, the family was forced to rely only on Anna’s earnings for financial support. In desperation, Tobit prayed to God for help. Then he remembered a sum of money he had left with his relative, Gabael.

However, Gabael lived in the city of Rages, which was over 500 miles away. Believing his life was nearly over, Tobit sent his son Tobias to reclaim the money. Tobias found a guide, named Azariah, to be his guardian on the long journey. We learn that Azariah was actually the Archangel Raphael, in disguise.

The book goes on to share the adventures of Tobias and Raphael on their mission to Rages. During their travels, the two stopped by a river. While Tobias was bathing, a large fish suddenly approached him. Tobias pulled it onto the bank and cut it open. Raphael told him to remove its insides and save them for later.

On their way to Rages, Tobias and Raphael stopped in the city of Ecbatana. There they met a woman named Sarah. She had been cursed by the demon Asmodeus and had prayed desperately for help, after losing seven husbands. Her prayers were answered with the arrival of Raphael and Tobias. Raphael told Tobias that the two were meant for each other, and he quickly fell in love.

So Tobias and Sarah got married and celebrated their wedding with a great banquet. Tobias burned the fish’s organs with some incense, to drive away the demon that had ruined Sarah’s life. After retrieving the money his father had lent to Gabael, and with newfound wealth from Sarah’s family, they all set out for Nineveh.

On arriving home, Tobias used the remaining parts of the fish as an ointment, to restore his father’s sight. The Archangel Raphael then revealed his true identity to the family, and explained that he had been sent by God to help them all. With his mission complete, Raphael left for heaven, leaving them all healthy, happy and grateful for all of their blessings.

The book describes Raphael, which means “God heals”, as “one of the seven angels who stand ready and enter before the glory of the Lord.” (Tobit 12:14,15). He is shown here with a traveller’s staff and bag. Tobias – despite being described in the book of Tobit as old enough to marry – is pictured as a boy. He is also shown holding a fish, which he used in the two healing miracles of the story.

This stained glass scene is found in the East Window of St Raphael’s church in Kingston. Its style is highly unusual and unique. It was installed when the church was built in 1848 and is thought to be of Italian or French origin, although the artist is unknown. The scene is flanked to the left and right by images of the Agony in the Garden and the Annunciation.

See the full image:

Unknown artist / St Raphael escorts Tobias / Stained glass / 1848

Where to find this work of art
St Raphael’s, Kingston

Read the relevant passage
Tobit 5:1-22

On a similar theme

• From the Old Testament: St Raphael, St Michael and St Gabriel are honoured in the Church as archangels.
• From the New Testament: In the story of St Peter’s rescue from prison, we learn how his guardian angel led him to safety.