Prayers for Travelers

Prayers to St. Raphael the Archangel

I. Saint Raphael the Archangel, thou wast a faithful companion to the young man, Tobias, on his long journey from Syria to Media, rescuing him from many dangers and, in particular, from the danger of death in the river Tigris; we beseech thee with all our hearts to be a safe guide and an Angel of consolation to our dear ones on the long journey which they must undertake in order to remove to foreign lands; do thou keep them far from all dangers of body and soul, and grant that they may come in safety to the haven of their desire.

Glory be to the Father, etc.

II. Saint Raphael the Archangel, arriving in Media thou didst bestow upon the young man, Tobias, extraordinary favors, going thyself to the city of Rages to receive the money from Gabelus, and causing him to find a worthy spouse in Sara, when she was delivered from the slavery of the demon, and enriching him with the goods of fortune; look, we humbly beseech thee, upon our dear ones who find themselves in foreign lands; do thou in like manner extend unto them thy heavenly protection, prospering their labors to the benefit of our beloved families and saving them from the many snares which will be laid for their souls, so that they may be enabled to preserve the precious gift of faith and to conform their lives to its teaching.

Glory be to the Father, etc.

III. Saint Raphael the Archangel, who faithful to thy mission didst bring back safe and sound to Syria the young man, Tobias, enriching his house with blessings and graces, and even restoring the gift of sight to his blind father; ah, fulfil thy task in behalf of our dear emigrants. Bring them back in thine own good time, safe and sound, to our dear families, and grant that their return may be a source of consolation, prosperity and every choice blessing; and we too, like the family of Tobias, will thank thee for all thy tender care and will unite ourselves to thee in praising, blessing and thanking the Giver of every good and perfect gift. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, etc.

V. Pray for us, Saint Raphael the Archangel,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

O God, who didst give Thy blessed Archangel Raphael unto Thy servant Tobias to be his fellow-traveler; grant unto us, Thy servants, that the same may ever keep us and shield us, help us and defend us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

An indulgence of 300 days once a day (S. C. of the Holy Office, Feb. 17, 1910; S. P. Ap., Aug. 22, 1936).

In the way of peace direct us, O Lord.
We praise and venerate
All the heavenly princes,
But especially Raphael,
Faithful physician
And companion true,
Who with Heaven's power
Bindeth fast the demon.

V. God hath given His Angels charge over thee.
R. To keep thee in all thy ways.

O God, who didst give the blessed Archangel Raphael unto Thy servant Tobias to be his fellow-traveler; grant unto us, Thy servants, that the same may ever keep us and shield us, help us and defend us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us go forward in peace, In the name of the Lord. Amen.

In viam pacis dirige nos, Domine.
Collaudamus venerantes
Omnes caeli principes,
Sed praecipue fidelem
Medicum et comitem
Raphaelem in virtute
Alligantem daemonem.

V. Angelis suis Deus mandavit de te.
R. Ut custodiant te in omnibus viis tuis.

Procedamus in pace.
In nomine Domini. Amen.

The faithful who, being about to make a journey or take a walk, recite these prayers in honor of St. Raphael the Archangel in a spirit of devotion, are granted:

An indulgence of 500 days;
A plenary indulgence on the usual conditions, if they recite them daily for an entire month (S. P. Ap., Jan. 25, 1946).