Trust in God’s Healing: St. Raphael & Preparing for Christ the King

Dear Loving Catholic Mama,

This week, we honor St. Raphael the Archangel on October 24, known as the healer and guide sent by God to assist those in need. As moms, we often find ourselves caring for the physical and spiritual health of our families, and St. Raphael can be a powerful intercessor for us as we ask for God’s healing and protection over our loved ones.

Additionally, this week is a beautiful time to prepare for the Feast of Christ the King (October 29), a solemn reminder that Christ reigns as King over all creation, and our lives should reflect His loving authority. Let’s explore how we can trust in God’s healing and guidance, and how to bring Christ’s kingship into our homes this week.

St. Raphael: Healing and Guidance for Families

St. Raphael is known for the healing and guidance he provided to Tobias in the Book of Tobit. His name means “God heals,” and he is often invoked for healing of the body, mind, and spirit. As busy moms, we can turn to St. Raphael in our moments of stress, illness, or uncertainty, asking for his protection and help for ourselves and our families.

Here are some practical ways to seek St. Raphael’s intercession this week:

- Daily Prayer to St. Raphael: Each morning, ask for St. Raphael’s guidance and protection over your family, especially for any areas of illness, physical challenges, or emotional struggles. A simple prayer can be, “St. Raphael, healer of God, guide us and protect our family today and always.”

- Healing and Forgiveness: Is there an area in your life where you or your family need healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual? Ask for St. Raphael’s intercession to help restore peace and bring healing into your home.

- Guidance for Family Decisions: Whether you're homeschooling, handling work-life balance, or facing tough decisions about your children’s needs, St. Raphael can guide you with wisdom, just as he led Tobias. Invite him into your decision-making process by offering a short prayer for clarity and peace.

Rosary Meditation: Healing and Kingship in the Mysteries

This week, as you meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary, focus on the 4th mystery of each set and reflect on healing and Christ’s kingship within your family life:

- Joyful Mysteries (Monday & Thursday): 

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple shows the fulfillment of God’s promise to Simeon that he would see the Messiah. As Mary and Joseph offer their Son to God, reflect on how you can offer your children and family to Christ, trusting Him to guide and heal them. Ask for St. Raphael’s intercession to help you surrender your family’s needs into God’s hands, especially areas where healing is needed.

- Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday & Friday): 

The Carrying of the Cross reminds us of the heavy burdens that Christ bore for our sake. Reflect on the crosses you carry in your own life, especially in your role as a mother. Offer these trials to Jesus and ask St. Raphael to help you find healing, strength, and peace as you walk alongside Christ, bearing the burdens that come with love and sacrifice.

- Glorious Mysteries (Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday): 

The Assumption of Mary into Heaven shows the glorification of the Mother of God. As we prepare for the Feast of Christ the King, reflect on how Mary’s Assumption points to Christ’s kingship and His ultimate victory over sin and death. Ask for her intercession to help you recognize Christ’s kingship in your own home, and ask St. Raphael to guide your family toward spiritual healing and deeper faith in Christ’s reign.

Family Activities: Inviting St. Raphael and Christ the King into Your Home

This week, bring the themes of healing, guidance, and Christ’s kingship into your family’s life through these fun and spiritually enriching activities:

- Create a Family Blessing Ceremony: In honor of St. Raphael, gather as a family and ask for God’s blessing on each member. You can anoint each other with holy water or blessed oil while saying a short prayer, asking St. Raphael to heal and protect your family.

- Make a Christ the King Craft: In preparation for the Feast of Christ the King, create a simple crown craft with your kids, reminding them that Christ is King of our hearts and our homes. Talk about how Jesus should be at the center of your family’s decisions, prayers, and actions.

- Healing and Reconciliation: If possible, take time as a family to go to Confession this week. Confession is a sacrament of healing, and by receiving God’s mercy, you’ll prepare your hearts to fully celebrate Christ the King. If you can’t get to Confession, consider a family examination of conscience and an act of contrition together.

These activities will help your family experience the healing love of St. Raphael and recognize the royal authority of Christ in your home.

Saint Spotlight: St. Raphael the Archangel – Guide and Healer

St. Raphael the Archangel is one of the seven archangels who stand before the throne of God. He is featured in the Book of Tobit, where he helps Tobias on his journey by protecting him, curing his father’s blindness, and guiding him to find a good and holy spouse. As the angel of healing, St. Raphael reminds us that God cares about every aspect of our well-being, both physical and spiritual.

As you care for your family’s health and spiritual growth, St. Raphael is a powerful intercessor to turn to for guidance and protection.

Feast of Christ the King: Let Him Reign in Your Heart and Home

The Feast of Christ the King, which we will celebrate next Sunday, reminds us that Jesus is not just King of the universe—He is King of our hearts, homes, and families. It’s a time to reflect on how we can let Christ reign more fully in our lives.

Here are a few ways to prepare for this special feast:

- Entrust Your Family to Christ the King: Take time this week to consecrate your family to Christ the King. Offer a prayer of dedication, asking Christ to reign over your hearts, your home, and your family’s decisions and actions.

- Create a Family Altar: In honor of Christ the King, set up a special family altar with a crucifix, a crown (either homemade or symbolic), and a candle. This can serve as a reminder of Christ’s kingship throughout the week.

- Practice Acts of Service: Christ’s kingship is one of service and love. As a family, come up with small ways you can serve each other and those around you this week, imitating the love and sacrifice of Christ the King.

By making Christ the King of your home, you are creating a kingdom of love, peace, and healing, just as St. Raphael helps to bring healing into your life.

Dear Mama, this week, as we honor St. Raphael the Archangel and prepare for the Feast of Christ the King, remember that Christ is not only your King—He is your Healer, your Protector, and your Guide. Trust in His kingship and invite Him into every corner of your home and heart. Through the intercession of St. Raphael, may your family experience God’s healing and peace.

In Christ and Our Blessed Mother,

Melissa

Extra Resources:

- Music Resource: Here are some songs that I enjoy listening too by the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles.

- Quote for Reflection: Jesus saith to him: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me.” John 14:6 (Douay-Rheims)

P.S.: Have you experienced the healing power of St. Raphael or the reign of Christ in your family life? Reply to this email and share your story, or join our Catholic Moms group to connect with others walking the same path!