Prayer to St. Raphael, Angel of Happy Meetings

O Raphael, lead us towards those we are waiting for, those who are waiting for us! 

Raphael, Angel of Happy Meetings, lead us by the hand towards those we are looking for! 

May all our movements, all their movements, be guided by your Light 

and transfigured by your Joy.

Angel Guide of Tobias, lay the request we now address to you 

at the feet of Him on whose unveiled Face you are privileged to gaze. 

Lonely and tired, crushed by the separations and sorrows of earth, 

we feel the need of calling to you and of pleading for the protection of your wings, 

so that we may not be as strangers in the Province of Joy, 

all ignorant of the concerns of our country.

Remember the weak, you who are strong--you whose home lies beyond the region of thunder,

 in a land that is always peaceful, always serene, 

and bright with the resplendent glory of God. 

Amen.

Baby Raphael, gone back to God after 10 weeks in my womb, 

pray for us your family who love you so very much, until we meet again, 

under the gaze of our loving Father in heaven.

The biggest baby and toddler group imaginable

That's how our much-loved parish priest described those innumerable tiny saints in Our Lady's care in his homily  for the family Mass on the feast of All Saints yesterday. In addition to the children who have died, there are the babies who may have only lived for a few weeks, days or even hours, as well as so many tiny babies who went back to Our Lord long before birth, before their mothers ever had the chance to hold them, kiss them or stroke their cheek in sleep. What a beautiful image, and what a great comfort to those who have tiny saints watching over them in Heaven, safe under Our Lady's mantle.