Description
Medal – St Raphael / St Jude – Designed and Made In Italy – Silver Oxide 22mm x 15mm
St Raphael is an archangel first mentioned in the Book of Tobit and in 1 Enoch, both estimated to date from between the 3rd and 2nd century BC. In later Jewish tradition, he became identified as one of the three heavenly visitors entertained by Abraham at the Oak of Mamre.
Due to his actions in the Book of Tobit and the Gospel of John, Raphael is considered a protector and healer, and so the patron of travelers, the blind, happy meetings, nurses, physicians, medical workers, matchmakers, Christian marriage, and Catholic studies.
Saint Jude is most famously known in the Catholic Church as the patron saint of hopeless causes and desperate situations. One of Jesus’ original twelve apostles, he is invoked by believers when facing seemingly impossible challenges or times of extreme distress.
His legacy and patronage are defined by several key elements:
The Patron of Lost Causes: Because his name was similar to Judas Iscariot (the apostle who betrayed Jesus), early Christians were hesitant to pray to him. Consequently, he was rarely called upon and became the saint people turned to as a last resort in their direst moments.
Miraculous Healings: Tradition holds that he cured King Abgar of Edessa of leprosy by presenting him with a cloth that bore the image of Jesus. This historical association with curing incurable diseases is why he is heavily relied upon for physical and spiritual healing.
Biblical Figure: He is identified in the Bible as the brother of St. James the Less and a relative (often described as a cousin) of Jesus Christ. He is also traditionally credited with authoring the Letter of Jude in the New Testament.
Fearless Evangelist: He spent his life courageously preaching the Gospel in difficult and hostile lands (such as Mesopotamia and Persia) before being martyred.
Iconography: In artwork, he is usually depicted wearing green (a symbol of hope) and with a flame above his head, representing the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
