What is a Patron Saint?
So, let’s start with the basics: What is a patron saint? A patron saint is a heavenly friend—someone who’s already in heaven and who has lived a life of heroic virtue. They are not gods or goddesses; they’re regular people who lived lives of extraordinary faith. Patron saints serve as role models for us. They guide us in our faith journey and, believe it or not, they pray for us. The Bible says that we are surrounded by “so great a cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1), and these witnesses are the saints.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) makes it clear that these heavenly folks are not just sitting up there watching us struggle. It says: “Their intercession is their most exalted service to God’s plan. We can and should ask them to intercede for us and for the whole world” (CCC 2683).
Why Do We Need Patron Saints?
You might wonder why you need a patron saint when you can go directly to Jesus or Mary with your prayers. Well, you can and should keep praying to them, but patron saints add a personal touch. Just like you’d ask your friend to pray for you when you’re going through tough times, you can ask a patron saint to do the same.
The Bible tells us that “the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16). Now, imagine someone who is already in heaven, completely united with God, praying for you! That’s some powerful intercession!
Types of Patron Saints
For Individuals
Every baptized Catholic gets a saint’s name at Baptism. That saint automatically becomes a kind of patron saint for you. So, if your name is Patrick, St. Patrick is your guy.
For Professions and Places
Some patron saints look out for particular groups of people or places. St. Joseph, for example, is the patron saint of workers. If you’re in the medical field, you might look to St. Luke, a physician in his earthly life. Countries, cities, and even schools often have patron saints too.
For Special Needs and Causes
These are saints you can go to for very specific things. Need help finding lost things? St. Anthony’s your man. Struggling with exams? Call on St. Joseph of Cupertino, the patron saint of test-takers.
How to Choose a Patron Saint
Choosing a patron saint is a personal journey. Here are some tips to make the selection a meaningful one.
Look for a Connection
Look for a saint who shares your interests, struggles, or life circumstances. If you love animals, maybe St. Francis of Assisi would be a good fit. If you’re a writer, consider St. John the Evangelist.
Research Their Lives
Reading up on saints can be inspiring. Books, articles, and even movies can give you a good idea about their lives.
Pray About It
Once you’ve found a saint or two that you feel connected to, pray about it. Ask God to guide you in your choice. The Catechism reminds us that prayer is a “vital and personal relationship with the living and true God” (CCC 2558). Let that relationship guide you.
Confirm with a Priest or Spiritual Advisor
Sometimes, it’s helpful to get a second opinion. A priest or spiritual advisor can offer additional insights that you might not have considered.
How to Foster a Relationship with Your Patron Saint
Learn Their Feast Day
Every saint has a feast day, a special day in the Church calendar dedicated to them. On this day, take some extra time to pray and maybe attend Mass.
Keep a Devotional Item
Many Catholics keep a small statue, icon, or medal of their patron saint. These aren’t magical objects but reminders to pray and seek the saint’s intercession.
Incorporate Them in Your Daily Life
Make it a point to regularly ask for your patron saint’s prayers. You can add this to your morning or evening prayers.
Learn Their Prayers
Many saints have specific prayers associated with them. These prayers often reflect the virtues or qualities that the saint was known for. Learning these prayers can help you deepen your connection with your patron saint.
The Bigger Picture
Patron saints are not a Catholic gimmick. They’re an integral part of the Church’s teaching on the “communion of saints,” a fellowship that includes the saints in heaven, the souls in purgatory, and the faithful on earth. The Catechism says that in this communion, “a perennial link of charity exists between the faithful who have already reached their heavenly home, those who are expiating their sins in purgatory and those who are still pilgrims on earth” (CCC 1475).
So, choosing a patron saint is not just about finding a holy BFF. It’s about recognizing that we are part of a much larger family—a family that’s rooting for us from heaven, purgatory, and right here on earth. And in this family, our patron saints hold a special place as our mentors, guides, and heavenly friends.
Choosing a patron saint adds a layer of richness to your spiritual life that you might not have even known was missing. Whether you’re new to the faith or looking to deepen your relationship with God, a patron saint can be a wonderful companion on your journey.