Guild of St Raphael facts for kids
The Guild of St Raphael, started in 1915, was a Christian group. It focused on promoting and practicing healing, just as Jesus did. This healing was a key part of church life and worship. The Guild began within the Anglican Church but grew to include members from other churches. It became a worldwide group with over 100 branches. The Guild was named after Saint Raphael, an angel in the Book of Tobit who helps Tobias on his journey. The Guild aimed to teach about healing through prayer, sacraments, and working closely with doctors.
In October 2015, the Guild of St Raphael joined with the Guild of Health. They formed a new group called The Guild of Health and St. Raphael. Information about their membership and magazines, Guild News and Chrism, can now be found on their website.
Contents
How the Guild Started
Some online sources suggest the Guild was founded by members of another group called the Stella Matutina. However, there is little proof for this idea. Records show that the Guild quickly became completely separate from any practices of the Stella Matutina. Most evidence suggests it was never truly connected to that group.
Early Leaders and Growth
Recent records from 2006 show the main people who started the Guild in 1915. They were Miss Caroline Biggs, who was the first Secretary, and Reverend Canon R. P. Roseveare. Canon Roseveare of St Paul's Deptford was the Guild's first leader, called a Warden.
By 1920, the Guild had grown a lot under Canon Roseveare's leadership. Their fourth yearly report showed they had 19 priest members, 26 priest associates, 2 lay members, and 248 lay associates. The Guild had already spread to places like Africa, Canada, New Zealand, India, and China.
In 1933, Bishop W. W. Hough, who was then the Guild's Warden, wrote a letter to The Times newspaper. He noted that the Guild had continued to grow. At that time, it had over 2,000 lay members and 300 priest members. These members were practicing spiritual healing in most church areas across the country.
What the Guild Did
The Guild's main focus was on actually practicing healing. This was done through its local branches, which made the Guild strong. Members followed a simple rule of prayer, study, and work for this healing ministry. Their goal was always to promote Christ's way of healing. They looked not just for physical healing, but for the healing of the whole person.
The Guild also aimed for the healing of communities and even God's creation. They considered how social and political issues can cause problems in our world.
Healing for Everyone
Prayer for healing was at the heart of the Guild's work. They also used healing sacraments, like anointing with oil and the laying on of hands. But members used other helpful actions too. These included listening carefully, being silent, offering advice, and simple symbolic actions.
The Guild was known for studying and understanding spiritual challenges. In 1960, the Reverend Henry Cooper, a chaplain for the Guild, said that people who help others with deep spiritual problems often know about mental health. He believed they work well with doctors. A special lecture is given each year to remember Henry Cooper.
Working with Doctors
The Guild also did a lot of teaching and research about faith and healing. This was often shared through their magazine, Chrism, which is mentioned below.
In all its activities, the Guild always believed in working very closely with doctors and other health professionals. They wanted to make sure all types of healing worked together.
Their Magazine: Chrism
The Guild published a magazine called Chrism twice a year. In this magazine, they explored different parts of the healing world. Past issues covered many topics. These included Children and Healing, The Importance of Touch, Animals and Healing, and a look at what health means today. They also discussed conditions like M.E. (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and Dementia.
Guild Leaders (Wardens)
- 1915 Reverend Canon R. P. Roseveare of St Paul's Deptford
- 1920s/1930s Right Reverend W. W. Hough, Bishop of Woolwich
- 1940s Reverend T. W. Crafter
- 1959 Reverend F. S. Sinker, Vicar of Offchurch, Diocese of Coventry
- 1980s Right Reverend Cecil Richard Rutt, Bishop of Leicester
