“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; I do not give to you as the world gives. Do no let not your heart be troubled, and do not be afraid.” John 14:27.
Quote of Jesus
Peace and serenity of heart are difficult to acquire. The world is a chaotic place to live. Our emotions can make us feel quite helpless. How do we find peace? How do we live in peace? Faith is a gift. With faith, we can pray for peace. The following quotes of the saints are ‘pearls of wisdom’ to help us in our journey.
Lord, Make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
4. Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.
10. Go forth in peace, for you have followed the good road. Go forth without fear, for he who created you has made you holy, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother. Blessed be you, my God, for having created me.
16. Be peace loving.Peace is a precious treasure to be sought with great zeal. Live your life that you may receive the blessings of the Lord. Then the peace of God the Father will be with you always.
21. Abide in peace, banish cares, take no account of all that happens, and you will serve God according to His good pleasure and rest in Him.
St. John of the Cross
22. If you remain constant in faith in the face of trial, the Lord will give you peace and rest for a time in this world and forever in the next.
St. Jerome
23. We shall steer safely through every storm, so long as our heart is right, our intention fervent, our courage steadfast, and our trust fixed on God.
St. Francis de Sales
24. Strive to preserve your heart in peace; let no event of the world disturb it.
Confirmation season is here! During the Easter season Catholics and students preparing to come into the church will receive the sacrament of confirmation. They are searching for the patron saint who will be their role model and guide during their pilgrimage on earth.
When we receive the Rite of Confirmation, we are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. The symbols of the Holy Spiritare tongues of fire, a dove, and the wind.
The Catholic Church believes in the Communion of Saints. Each baptized person is a member of this communion, the living and the dead. The saints are considered the Church Triumphant. The pilgrims on earth are considered the Church Militant (still defending the faith). We ask our patron saint to pray with us and for us as we face the trials on earth. The more prayer to God on our behalf the better!
During the rite of Confirmation, the Bishop prays over the candidate calling them by the name they have chosen as their confirmation name.He also anoints them with the oil of chrism. When a person is confirmed they receive the grace of the Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit, Come!
Are you searching for a patron saint?
The following twenty five popular female patron saints should be considered as you search for your role model and patron saint.
St. Agatha
St. Agatha
St. Agatha was born in Sicily, She is the patron saint of breast cancer. She was imprisoned and then tortured for her faith. During the torture, her breasts were amputated. In an apparition of St. Peter, she was healed. St. Agatha was a martyr for the faith. The feast day of St. Agatha is celebrated on Feb. 5.
St. Anne
St. Anne
The feast day of St. Anne is July 26. She is the grandmother of Jesus and the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She is the patron saint of mothers and grandmothers. St. Anne was married to St. Joachim. Tradition tells us they were both wealthy and pious.
St. Bernadette
St. Bernadette
The feast day of St. Bernadette is April 16. She is the patron saint of bodily ills and orphans. While young, Bernadette suffered from digestive problems and asthma. Because of ill health Bernadette received the sacrament of the sick at least three times. St. Bernadette had a vision of the Virgin Mary when very young. At Lourdes France, she was told to dig in the mud by Our Lady. A spring appeared which resulted in many healings.
St. Catherine Laboure
St. Catherine Laboure’
St. Catherine Laboure’ is a visionary and the patron saint of the Miraculous Medal. She was born on May 2, 1806 in France. The Virgin Mary appeared to her three times instructing her to have the medal made. The medal was eventually made and credited with many miracles. The medal became known as The Miraculous Medal. St. Catherine Leboure’s feast day is celebrated on Nov. 28.
St. Catherine of Siena
St. Catherine of Siena
St. Catherine of Sienais the patron of firefighters. She was born in Siena, Italy in 1347. At the age of six she began having mystical experiences. She often saw gaurdian angels. She became a Dominican tertiary at the age of 16 after having visions of Christ, Mary and the saints. She is considered a great writer. Some of her ecstasies included falling into fire unharmed. This is why she is the patron of firefighters. She received the stigmata (the wounds of Christ) and her body was found to be in-corrupt. St. Catherine’s feast day is celebrated on April 29.
St. Cecelia
St. Cecelia
St. Ceceliais the patron saint of musicians. She was born in Rome. After seeing an angel praying at the side of his wife, Cecelia’s husband converted to the faith. St. Cecelia was arrested and martyred for her faith. An attempt to suffocate her failed after which she was beheaded. She is the patron of musicians because she heard music in her heart on her wedding day. St. Cecelia’s feast day is celebrated on Nov. 22.
St. Clare of Assisi
St. Clare of Assisi
St. Clareis the patron saint of eye disease and communications. She was born in Assisi, Italy in 1194. After hearing St. Francis of Assisi preach on Palm Sunday, she joined the Franciscans. The women following St. Francis became known as “The Poor Clares”. They lived an enclosed life of prayer, away from the world and serving the sick. St. Clare’s feast day is Aug. 11.
St. Edith Stein
St. Edith Stein
St. Edith Steinwas also known as St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. She is the patron saint of loss of parents and converts.. She was the youngest of a large Jewish family. In 1922 she was baptized into the Catholic Faith. When the Nazis conquered Holland she was arrested along with her sister and sent to Auschwitz. St. Edith Stein was sent to the gas chambers and died a martyr at the age of 51 in 1942. Her feast day is celebrated on Aug. 9.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is the patron saint of in-law troubles and loss of children. She grew up in New York City and married William Seton. Within four years, she suffered the death of her father in-law which left William in charge. His business failed forcing bankruptcy. They moved to Italy to help his health. He died of tuberculosis in Italy. Elizabeth grew close to God. She became Catholic and had a devotion to the Virgin Mary. She established the first Catholic school in America. On March 25, 1809 she took a vow of poverty, chastity, and obedience. She became Mother Seton. Elizabeth. died in 1821 of tuberculosis at age 46. The feast day of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is celebrated on Jan. 4.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary
St. Elizabeth of Hungary
St. Elizabeth of Hungaryis the patron saint of widows , the homeless and young brides.
She was the daughter of the King of Hungary and married at age 14 to Louis of Thuring. Deeply in love, her husband died in the crusades after six years of marriage. Her in-laws disliked her generosity and threw her out of the palace. St. Elizabeth of Hungary served the poor and the sick. In 1218 she joined the Secular Franciscan Order and worked in a hospital she founded in honor of St. Francis. She died at the age of 23 in 123l. The feast day of St.Elizabeth of Hungary is celebrated on Nov. 17.
St. Faustina
St. Faustina
St. Faustinais the patron saint of Divine Mercy. She was born in Poland in 1905. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy whose mission is the poor and education. She took the name Sister Maria Faustina. She received a message from our Lord to spread the message of his mercy to the world. She wrote about the mercy of God in her Diary which is now published. Divine Mercy is now celebrated on the Sunday after Easter. Sister Faustina died in Oct. 1938. The feast day of St. Faustina is celebrated on Oct. 5.
St. Jane Frances de Chantal
St. Jane Frances de Chantal
St. Jane Frances de Chantal is the patron saint of forgotten people and widows. She was born in Dijon, France in 1572. She married the Baron de Chantal (Christophe) at the age of 20. They had four children before he was killed in a hunting accident. With the aid of St. Frances de Sales, Jane founded the Visitation Order. She wrote many letters of spiritual direction. She died in 1641 at 69 years old. We celebrate the feast day of St. Jane Frances de Chantal on Aug. 12.
St. Joan of Arc
St. Joan of Arc
St. Joan of Arc was born in 1412 in France. She is the patron saint of soldiers and France. While very young she heard messages from St. Michael, St. Catherine and St. Margaret. They told her to go to the King of France and help him reconquer his kingdom. The 17 year old girl was given a small army with which she achieved success. She was captured and sold to the English. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake on May 30, 1431. We celebrate her feast day on May 30.
St. Kateri Takakwitha
St. Kateri Tekakwitha
St. Kateri Takakwitha is the patron saint of the environment. She is the first Native American saint. She was born in 1656 to the daughter of a Mohawk warrior and a Catholic Alqonquin. Father Jacques de Lambertville, a Jesuit missionary baptized her. She was devoted to prayer and penitenial practices. She also cared for the sick and aged. At the age of four her mother and brother died of smallpox. Kateri’s face was scarred by the disease and she became almost blind. St. Kateri died during Holy Week. Within 15 minutes of death her face was healed of its scars. She appeared to many people after her death, always carrying a cross. We celebrate St. Kateri’s feast day on July 14.
St. Margaret Mary
St. Margaret Mary
St. Margaret Mary is the patron saint of polio victims. She was born in 1647 in Burgundy, France. She was bedridden for five years as a child with rheumatic fever. She had a devotion to the Eucharist. Refusing marriage, she entered the Visitation convent. St. Margaret Mary was a visionary. She had visions of Christ which instructed her to spread the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Eventually the devotion was officially approved. We celebrate the feast day of St. Margaret Mary on Oct. 17.
St. Maria Goretti
St. Maria Goretti
St. Maria Goretti is the patron saint of rape victims, youth and purity. She was born in Italy on Oct. 16, 1890 to a farm worker. Her father died of malaria leaving her mother struggling to feed her children. At the age of 12 she was attacked by an 18 year old neighbor who tried to rape her. When she resisted he stabbed her. Before she died a martyr in the hospital, she forgave him. However, he was sentenced to 30 years. He was unrepentant until he had a dream. Maria appeared to him and gave him flowers. It changed him forever. When he left prison, he attended the canonization of St. Maria Goretti in St. Peter’s Square. St. Maria Goretti’s feast day is celebrated on July 6.
St. Martha
St. Martha
St. Marthais the patron saint of housewives, domestic workers and cooks. She lived in Bethany at the time of Jesus. She was a devoted follower and had a sister named Mary. Martha is most known for the story in the gospel Luke 10:38-42 which tells us the story of Jesus being a guest in their home. She is busy in the kitchen while Mary is sitting listening to Jesus. When Martha goes to Jesus complaining “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” Jesus responded by saying “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” We celebrate the feast day of St. Martha on July 29.
St. Mary Magdalene
St. Mary Magdalene
St. Mary Magdalene is the patron saint of penitent women. She was a devoted disciple of Jesus. Jesus cast out seven demons from her. Because of the sorrow she had for her sins she anointed Christ with her tears and dried His feet with her hair. Mary Magdalene was present at the crucifixion of Jesus. She is the one who discovered His body missing from the tomb. She is honored by being the first person to whom Christ appeared to after His Resurrection. She reported seeing Him by exclaiming to the other disciples. “I have seen the Lord!”
The feast day of St. Mary Magdalene is celebrated on July 22.
Mary, Mother of God
Mary, Mother of God
Mary is the Mother of God. She is also considered the Queen of Saints because Jesus is our King.. She is the spiritual mother of all of us. Mary is the patron saint of all of humanity, mothers, the suffering and families.
The Archangel Gabrielappeared to Mary telling her she would have a child. He said, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” He continued saying, “Fear not, Mary for you have found grace with God. Behold you shall conceive in your womb and shall bring forth a son and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever and of his kingdom there will be no end. Mary responded, “How can this be?” The angel answered “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child will be holy. He will be called Son of God and now your relative Elizabeth in her old age has conceived a son and is in her sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing is impossible. with God.” Mary responded, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to thy word.” Then the angel departed.
We celebrate many feast days to honor Mary. The feast day of Mary, the Mother of God is celebrated on January 1st.
St. Monica
St. Monica
St. Monicais the patron saint of mothers, alcoholism and troubled marriages. She was born in Africa in 331. Married to an abusive alcoholic pagan, they had three children. St. Augustine was her son. He left the church when young to live a wild life. Monica prayed constantly for his return to the faith. Eventually, he returned to the faith becoming a priest, then a Bishop. St. Monica’s husband converted to the faith before he died. St. Monica’s feast day is celebrated on Aug 27,celebrated on Aug 27,
St. Rita
St. Rita
St. Rita is the patron saint of impossible cases. When she was young she desired to enter the convent. However a marriage was arranged. Her husband was violent and abusive. After twenty years of marriage her husband was stabbed to death. Her two sons also died leaving Rita alone in the world. She joined an Augustinian convent at Cacia Umbria. After praying, “Please let me suffer like you Divine Savior.” Rita was wounded by a thorn on her forehead. It would not heal and caused her to suffer until her death on May 22, 1457.
The feast day of St. Rita is May 22.
St. Teresa of Avila
St. Teresa of Avila
St. Teresa of Avila is the patron saint of headache sufferers. She was born in Spain in 1515. Her mother died when she was 14. Her father placed her in a convent to protect her from the world. She struggled to balance her love of God with her need for friends and fun. She eventually joined the Carmelite Order. She was a mystic and a poet and an author. She is considered a Doctor of the Church Her feast day is celebrated on Oct. 15.
Bl. Teresa of Calcutta Public Domain Image
St. Teresa of Calcutta
St. Teresa of Calcuttais the patron saint of World Youth Day, the poorest of the poor, and the dying. She joined the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, known as the Sisters of Loreto. Born in Skopje, her birth name was Agnes Ganxha Bojaxhiu. She became Sister Mary Teresa after St. Therese of Lisieux. In 1946, she had a “call within a call”. She heard Jesus say “Come be My light”. She formed the Missionaries of Charity and served the sick and dying in Calcutta, India. Mother Teresa became known to the world as a living saint. She died on Sept. 5, which is the day we celebrate her feast day.
St. Therese of Lisieux
St. Thérèse of Lisiuex
St. Thérèse of Lisiuex is the patron saint of missions. She is also a Doctor of the Church. She was born in 1873 in France. St. Thérèse became known as the “Little Flower” because of her statement, “The only way I can prove my love is by scattering flowers and these flowers are every little sacrifice, every glance and word and the doing of the least action for love.” Her spirituality is known as “The little way”. She believed in trusting Jesus to make her holy and relying on small sacrifices instead of great deeds to find holiness. She is the author of “The Story of a Soul”. The feast day of St. Thérèse is celebrated on Oct. 1.
St. Veronica
St. Veronica
St. Veronica is the patron saint of photographers. Little is known about Veronica. She was a follower of Jesus and present during his crucifixion. While Jesus carried the cross, she was moved with compassion. She knelt in front of Jesus and used her veil to wipe his face clean. Her kindness is commemorated on the sixth station of the cross prayed by the church. The soldiers pushed Veronica away and she later discovered the imprint of Christ’s face on her veil. It is believed that Veronica left her veil in the care of Pope Clement I, the successor to St. Peter. St. Veronica’s feast day is celebrated on July 12
Jesus Remember Me, when you come into your kingdom. Luke 23: 32-43
Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”
And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him saying, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him which said;
“This is the King of the Jews.”
One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God,, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
The Good Thief turned to Jesus at the very end of his life. He did not need to know all the answers regarding religion. He had not been baptized. He simply acknowledged his guilt and asked Jesus to remember him. Sometimes, we make faith way too complicated. All we really need to do is turn to God and ask him to lead us to the truth.
The feast day of the Our Lady of Lourdes will be celebrated on February 11th by the Catholic Church. Why do Catholics ask Mary to pray for them? What is the meaning of this feast day? What do the saints say about Mary? The early church had great reverence for Mary, the Mother of God. Because she gave birth to Jesus, Mary was full of Grace…literally! Just as Adam and Eve were created without sin, it is believed that Mary also was created without the stain of original sin. Mary’s Heart was Immaculate….free from any stain of sin, both original sin and personal sin. Mary was not God, however. All worship goes to the Trinity…the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Mary was an instrument used by God to bring Jesus into the world. We know Jesus honored and loved His Mother. Are we not called to imitate Jesus? There are many prayers and quotes by the saints for us to learn about the beliefs of the early Church.
Our Lady of Lourdes
PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF LOURDES Oh ever immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comforter of the Afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Look upon me with mercy. When you appeared in the grotto of Lourdes, you made it a privileged sanctuary where you dispense your favors, and where many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal I come, therefore, with unbounded confidence to implore your maternal intercession. My loving Mother, obtain my request. I will try to imitate your virtues so that I may one day share your company and bless you in eternity. Amen.
Purer than heaven’s purest angels, brighter than its brightest seraph; Mary, after her Creator, God, made her and gave her all, the most perfect of beings, the masterpiece of Infinite Wisdom, Almighty Power and Eternal Love. To such a being we cannot reasonably suppose that a perfection was denied her which had been already gratuitously bestowed on inferior creatures; on the angelic spirits
The Most Holy Virgin places herself between her Son and us. The greater sinners we are, the more tenderness and compassion does she feel for us. The child that has cost its mother the most tears is the dearest to her heart.
Our Lady is rest for those who work, consolation for those who weep medicine for the sick, a harbour for those assailed by tempests, pardon for sinners, sweet relief for the sad, succour for those who implore.
Why should we be astonished if the God who could work marvels in the scripture and through His saints should choose to reveal Himself even more marvelous by means of His Mother?
Most Holy Virgin Mary…Sanctuary of the Holy Spirit, Lily of purity, Rose of patience, Paradise of delight, Mirror of chastity, Model if innocence…intercede for this poor banished pilgrim.
Remember, O most loving virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, we fly unto you, O virgin of virgins, our mother. To you we come, before you we stand, sinful and sorrowful, O mother of the Word incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me.
The feast day of St. Leo the Great is celebrated on November the 10.
St. Leo was born in Tuscany. He lived during a time of great political chaos for the Church. Barbarian armies were ravaging the once mighty Roman Empire. Leo was an ordained a Deacon. He became the Bishop of Rome in 440. He was Bishop of Rome for 21 years, until his death in 461.
During his papacy, he was known for meeting Attila the Hun in 452 as he was preparing to invade Italy. Amazingly, he persuaded him to turn back, and avoided a war. Leo fought many heresies, including Pelagianism which teaches that grace was not necessary for salvation.
Leo is considered one of the great administrators of the Church. He also gave profound spiritual sermons. He presided over the fourth ecumenical council called the Council of Chalcedon. At this council the two natures of Christ was discussed and clarified. The faith teaches that Jesus Christ is both fully human and fully divine.
St. Leo the Great also clarified the role of the pope, persuading Emperor Valentinian to recognize the primacy of the Bishop of Rome in 445. His teaching focused on the scripture which had Jesus telling Peter: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of Heaven. What you forbid on earth shall be forbidden in Heaven. What you allow on earth shall be allowed in heaven.’ (Matthew 16:19)
Leo was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XIV in the eighteenth century. The title “Great” has been given to only three Popes. The three “Great popes are St. Leo the Great, St. Gregory the Greatand St. Nicholas the Great. St. John Paul II is unofficially considered by some to be “great”. The title “Great” means that the Pope has exercised great leadership and contributed greatly to the theology of the church.
If indeed we are the temple of God and the Holy Spirit lives in our
hearts…we must work with much vigilance to make the chamber of our heart
The feast day of St. Isidore is celebrated on May 15.
He is the patron saint of farmers. St. Isidore was born to poor parents at Madrid, Spain in the 12th century. As a young boy he worked for a wealthy farmer in Madrid. He married Maria de la Cabeza who also became a saint. They had one son who died as a child.
Isidore was very religious. He attended daily Mass before going to work in the fields. This sometimes caused complaints that he spent too much time in church. He prayed as he worked in the fields. It is said that angels sometimes helped him with his work. On holidays he would visit the many churches in Madrid. He loved the poor, often giving those more poor than himself food to eat. He also cared for animals. His concern that they be treated well was well known. He was kind and generous.
St. Isidore is a role model for everyone. He practiced his faith always and showed kindness and generosity to those he met.
St. Isidore died on May 15, 1130 after living a simple but holy life. He was canonized in 1622.
Like a tree in spring the cross has burst into flower… the cross on which the Lord of glory hung.
The feast day of St. Mathias is celebrated on May 14. St. Mathias was not one of the original twelve Apostles. He was not present at the Last Supper.
After the suicide by hanging of Judas Iscariot, the Apostles decided to choose either Mathias or Joseph called Barsabbas to replace Judas Iscariot. They prayed, saying. “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Acts (1:24) They drew lots and chose Mathias to replace him.
Mathias preached in Judea, Egypt and Ethiopia. Stories of his martyrdom vary. It is believed he was stoned and beheaded.
St. Mathias is the patron saint against alcoholism and smallpox. He is also the patron of carpenters.
Who except God can give you peace?
Has the world ever been able to satisfy the heart?
Twenty Five Poular Patron Saints for Men to Consider as Their Confirmation Name
Easter is just around the corner! Students of Catholicism are preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation. At the Easter vigil adults coming into the Catholic faith will be baptized, receive their first communion and be confirmed.
The list below is twenty five male patron saints which men might be interested in as they choose their patron saint for confirmation.
Young Catholics will receive the sacrament during the Easter season, when the Bishop of their diocese visits their parish.
The sacrament of confirmation is one of the three sacraments of initiation. First is baptism which is often received shortly after birth. Second is Communion or Eucharist, which received at age of reason, usually seven or eight years of age. The third is confirmation. The age for confirmation is decided upon by the Bishop of the Diocese and can range from age of reason to high school.
When confirmed, the person is “sealed with the Holy Spirit”. The sacrament makes the person a full member of the Catholic Church. It’s history goes back to Pentecost, the birthday of the Church. On Pentecost the Apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and their confusion was lifted. The Apostles received gifts from the Holy Spirit. The gifts of the Holy Spiritare the following: 1.Wisdom, 2.Understanding, 3. Counsel, 4. Courage 5.Knowledge 6. Reverence, 7. Wonder and awe. Not everyone receives the same gifts.
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The fruits of the Holy Spirit come when we make use of the gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are the following: 1. Charity 2. Joy 3. Peace 4. Patience 5. Kindness 6. Goodness 7. Generosity 8. Gentleness 9. Faithfulness 10. Modesty 11. Self-control 12 Chastity
The person being confirmed chooses a patron saint. The name of the saint is the name the bishop will use when he anoints him/her and lays hands in prayeron them. The saint is to be a role model and guide for the person throughout their life. In good times and bad, we ask our patron saint to pray with us and for us.
Are you searching for a patron saint?
The following twenty five saints should be considered as you choose your patron saint.
St. Andrew the Apostle
St. Andrew the Apostle
Feast day: Nov. 30
Patron of fishermen
Apostle and martyr
St. Andrew was the brother to Simon Peter. They were both fishermen. Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist and the first apostle to be called by Jesus. When Andrew asked Jesus where he lived Jesus responded “Come and See.” Andrew then told Simon Peter about Jesus saying “We have found the Messiah!”
After the resurrection, St. Andrew preached in Greece.
St. Andrew was martyred by crucifixion.
St. Anthony of Padua
St. Anthony of Padua
Feast day: June 13
Patron of lost items and missing persons
Doctor of the Church
St. Anthony was born in Portugal in 1195. He joined the Augustinian Order. Later he joined the Franciscan Order at age 26. He is called “The hammer of the Heretics.” His preaching was simple and easy to understand. The Infant child Jesus miraculously appeared to him.
St. Anthony was canonized less than one year after his death in 1231.
St. Augustine of Hippo
St. Augustine of Hippo
Feast day: Aug. 28
Patron of Brewers
Father of the Church
St. Augustine was the patron of brewers because of his lifestyle which included loose living and parties. His mother was St. Monica, who prayed for him for many years. He finally converted after reading a passage of scripture which said, “put away all impurity and live in imitation of Jesus.” This passage helped him to decide to return to the faith.
He was baptized by St. Ambrose. Eventually, he became the Bishop of Hippo. He is know for the poem “Too late have I loved You.”
In the year 430, he fell ill. He spent his last days in prayer, dying on Aug. 28.
St. Bernard Clairvaux
St. Bernard of Clairvaux
Feast day: Aug. 20
Doctor of the Church
Patron saint of mountaineers, The Alps
St. Bernard was born in Burgundy, France. After his mother’s death he entered the Cistercian Order. He founded a monastery known as the Abbey of Clairvaux. He was the Abbot. He refused offers to become a bishop. In 1128, he participated in the Council of Troyes. He was known for fighting against heresies.
In 1139, he assisted in the Second Council of the Lateran. He encouraged Lectio Divina and contemplation on scripture.
St. Dominic
St. Dominic
Feast day: Aug 8
Patron of Astronomers
Founder of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans)
St. Dominicwas born in 1170 into a wealthy family at Calaruega, Spain. As a priest he preached against the Albigensianism heresy. He also helped to reform the Cistercians.
He organized the Order of Preachers, known as the Dominican Order. They were traveling preachers who practiced a life of prayer and penance.
St. Dominic spread the Marian devotion of praying the Rosary.
St. Dominic died on Aug. 6
St. Francis of Assisi
St. Francis of Assisi
Feast day: Oct. 4
Patron of environment and animals
Founder of The Franciscan Order
St. Franciswas born in Assisi, Italy in 1181 into a wealthy family. He lived a wild life when young, becoming a soldier. However, God appeared to him in a dream telling him to go home.
Later, in prayer, God said “Francis, repair my church.” Francis took this literally, and began to repair the church buildings which were falling down. Eventually, it led Francis to leave his family, founding the Franciscan Order. Franciscans took a vow of poverty and served the sick and poor.
St. Francis loved animals and nature. Birds and wild animals had no fear of him. He also composed music.
St. Francis died in 1226.
St. Gregory the Great
St. Gregory the Great
Feast day: Sept. 3
Patron saint of students, teachers, musicians
Doctor of the Church
St. Gregorybecame a prefect of Rome before the age of 30. The pope chose him to be one of his seven deacons. At age 50 he was elected pope. He is know for reforming the liturgy. The Gregorian chant is attributed to St. Gregory.
Pope Gregory became a Benedictine monk living in his own home. He founded six monasteries after five years in office. He also re-energized the missionary work of the church.
Pope Gregory died in 604. He was declared a saint by popular acclamation.
St. Jerome and the Angel by Simon Vouet Public Domain Image
St. Jerome
Feast day: Sept. 30
Patron of librarians, students, and orphans
Doctor of the Church
St. Jeromewas born in 342 in Aquileio. He is the most educated of the Church Fathers. He was baptized by Pope Liberius in 360.
Wanting a religious library, he copied St. Hilary’s books. He is most famous for his translation of the Bible from Hebrew into Latin (the vulgate). He also wrote many commentaries on scripture. He was a priest, confessor, theologian and historian.
St. Jerome died near Bethlehem on Sept. 30, 420.
In art he is shown as one of the four church fathers (Augustine of Hippo, Ambrose, Pope Gregory the Great and Jerome).
St. John the Baptist
St. John the Baptist
Feast day: June 24
Patron of prosperity, baptism and conversion
Cousin to Jesus
John the Baptist was the cousin to Jesus. He was the son of Elizabeth, who miraculously conceived in her old age. Zechariah was his father.
At age 30 John began to preach in Jordan against evil behavior. He called everyone to penance and baptism, saying the Kingdom of Heaven is close at hand. He baptized large crowds of people. Eventually, he baptized Jesus, saying. “It is I who need baptism from You.”
It is John who identified Jesus as “The Lamb of God”.
John the Baptist is considered the last of the Old Testament prophets.
John was beheaded at the request of the daughter of the king on June 24th.
St. John the Evangelist
St. John the Evangelist
Feast day: Dec. 27
Patron of Book sellers, printers, art dealers
Apostle
St. Johnwas a Galilean, born to Zebedee. His mother was Salome. He was the Brother to St. James the Greater. John and James were known as “the sons of thunder.” St. John is also known as “The beloved disciple” and “The Apostle of Charity”.
John was with Jesus at the marriage feast of Cana. He was given the honor of sitting next to Jesus at the Last Supper. He was also with Jesus during all of his suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and at the crucifixion. He was the only Apostle who stood with the holy women at the foot of the cross.
Jesus spoke about him from the cross, saying “Woman, behold thy son”. John took Mary the mother of Jesus into his home after Jesus’ death and cared for her.
St. John was the first Apostle to recognize Jesus when he appeared to them on the shore.
St. John worked in Jerusalem and at Ephesus after the death of Jesus, living in Asia Minor. He wrote the fourth Gospel, three Epistles, and possibly the Book of Revelation.
St. John of the Cross
St. John of the Cross
Feast day: Dec. 14
Patron saint of poets, mystics, and contemplatives
Doctor of the Church
John of the Crosswas born in Spain in 1542. After the death of his father he attended a school for orphans. His mother kept the family together inspite of being homeless. At the age of 14 he took a job caring for hospital patients who suffered mental and terminal illnesses. From poverty and suffering John found beauty and happiness not in the world but in God.
St. John joined the Carmelite Order. He met and became a friend to St. Teresa of Avila. She asked him to help him reform the order. Threatened by the change John envisioned, he was captured and imprisoned by members of his own order, being locked in a small room and beaten regularly. After nine months he escaped, taking only his mystical poetry with him. This poetry includes The Dark Night of the Soul.
St. John of the Cross died in 1591.
St. Joseph
St. Joseph
Feast day March 19, May 1
Patron of fathers, a happy death, workers, foster children
Foster father of Jesus
Husband to the Blessed Virgin
Josephwas engaged to be married to Mary, when she was found with child. He was going to divorce her quietly to avoid scandal, however an angel appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do no be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Mat: 1: 20-21
Joseph immediately took Mary as his wife.
The angel appeared to Joseph a second time. This time he was told his family was in danger. They fled to Egypt where they stayed until the angel told him it was safe to return.
Joseph worked as a carpenter. He was the foster father of Jesus, loving him and providing for him and Mary. Jesus, Mary and Joseph are referred to as “The Holy Family”.
We celebrate two feast days for St. Joseph. The first is on March 19; Feast day of St. Joseph, husband of Mary. The second feast day is May 1; Feast day of St. Joseph the worker.
St. Josephis the patron for a happy death because tradition tells us that he died with Jesus and Mary at his side.
St. Jude Thaddius
St. Jude Thaddaeus
Feast day: Oct. 28
Patron of desperate causes
Apostle and martyr
St. Jude was an apostle of Jesus. He was brother to St. James the Less. He is not the same person as Judas who betrayed our Lord.
St. Jude is the author of an epistle in the Bible. Because he stressed the need to persevere during difficult times, he is considered the patron of desperate causes.
Tradition tells us that he suffered martyrdom along with the apostle Simon the Zealot in Beirut, a province of Syria. In art he is shown with an ax which was used in his execution.
St. Justin Martyr
St. Justin Martyr
Feast day: June 1
Patron of philosophers
Martyr
Father of the Church
St. Justin Martyr lived from 100-165. He was born a Gentile at Flavia, Neapolis. He converted to Christianity and defended the faith in Asia Minor and Rome. He wrote two “Apologies”. These were attempts to explain the faith. His first Apology is one of the earliest records teaching the meaning of the Eucharist.
St. Justin was a student of philosophy. After his conversion, he continued to debate philosophy publicly with his fellow students. A rival philosopher turned Justin in to authorities because of his faith. He was put on trial and then executed. He was beheaded in the year 165.
St. Justin Martyr is considered a Father of the Church.
St. Luke
St. Luke
Feast day: Oct. 18
Patron of physicians and surgeons
Author of the Gospel of Luke and The Acts of the Apostles
St. Lukewas a gentile who spoke Greek. He followed Paul after the Resurrection of Jesus. He accompanied Paul to Macedonia. When Paul was imprisoned, St. Luke stayed near him.
St. Luke was born at Antioch in Spain. He is referred to as a physician by St. Paul, St. Jerome and St. Irenaeus. He is referred to as “the beloved physician” by Paul in Col. 4:14.
The Gospel of Luke focuses on God’s mercy and forgiveness of sinners. Only in the Gospel of Luke does the story of the Prodigal Son appear.
St. Mark the Evangelist
St. Mark the Evangelist
Feast day: April 25
Patron of attorneys, prisoners, notaries
Martyr
St. Markwas a disciple of Jesus who traveled with St. Paul. He accompanied Paul and Barnabus on their missionary journey.
St. Mark wrote the second gospel when Romans requested that he write down the teachings of St. Peter. Tradition says that he was present at the Miracle of Cana when Jesus turned the water into wine.
Tradition also tells us he was martyred in the year 68 by being dragged through the street with a rope around his neck.
He is portrayed as a lion because his Gospel begins with John the Baptist crying “Make ready the way of the Lord”.
The relics of St. Mark are in Venice.
St. Matthew and the Angel
St. Matthew
Feast day: Sept. 21
Apostle
Patron saint of bankers and accountants
Martyr
St. Matthewwas one of the twelve called to be an Apostle. He was a tax collector before Jesus called him to follow him. He is also known as ‘Levi”.
The Gospel of Mathew was written in Aramaic which the Hebrew tongue. The Gospel of Mathew has the most parables of the Gospels. It also has the Beatitudes which are in the Sermon on the Mount. Tradition tells us that he worked in Ethiopia.
Tradition tells us that St. Matthew died a martyrs death, being killed with an ax.
St. Michael the Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel
Feast day: Sept. 29
Archangel
Patron of police, paratroopers, mariners, sickness
The name Michael means “Who is like God.” St. Michael is the leader of the good angels. He is considered a warrior angel. In the Book of Revelations it is St. Michael who is the leader during the final battle between good and evil at the end of time.
St. Michael the Archangel is the patron of police because of his battle against evil. St. Michael defend me in battle is a popular Catholic prayer.
St. Michael has appeared in three places: the cave of St. Michael in Italy, Mont St. Michel in France and The Grotto of St. Michael in Mexico.
St. Patrick
St. Patrick
Feast day: March 17
Patron of Ireland, slaves
St. Patrick was born in Kilpatrick, Scotland, in 387. At age 14 he was captured by a raiding party and taken to Ireland as a slave. As a slave, he tended to the sheep. He turned to God in prayer. His prayer “The Breastplate of St. Patrick” is well known.
Patrick was a slave until the age of 20. He received guidance in a dream. He was led to sailors who took him to Britain. In another dream, the people of Ireland asked him to return.
He became a priest, then a Bishop. As Bishop he was sent back to Ireland. Many people converted under his guidance. He is known for using the shamrock to explain the Trinity.
He died in Saul, where he built his first church, on March 17, 461.
St. Paul the Apostle
St. Paul
Feast day: June 29
Apostle
Martyr
Author of 14 Epistles
Patron of converts, authors, writers, publishers
St. Paul is known as the Apostle of the Gentiles. He is also known as Saul of Tarsus. Before his conversion, he was persecuting Christians. In the Book of Acts his conversion story is told. Paul hears a voice saying “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Paul replies, “Who are you, Lord?” “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up enter the city and you will be told what to do.” Acts 9: 4-6
After this experience Paul was baptized, and he began preaching that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. He fled Damascus returning to see Peter. Paul traveled on several missionary journeys, accompanied by Barnabus.
He was imprisoned in Caesarea and then in Rome, being kept in chains. After his release he went to Spain. He was imprisoned again and beheaded in the year 67.
St. Paul wrote 14 Epistles which have greatly influenced the Christian faith.
St. Peregrine
St. Peregrine Laziosi
Feast day: May 1
Patron of cancer victims
St. Peregrine was born to wealthy parents in Forli, Italy in 1260. He was active in politics when he was young, being a member of the anti-papal party. After striking St. Philip Benizi in the face at an uprising he repented and converted to Catholicism.
St. Peregrine received a vision of the Virgin Mary, after which he followed her instructions to join the Servites, observing silence and solitude.
He was afflicted with a tumor on his leg which the doctors wanted to amputate. He spent the night before the operation in prayer. The following morning he was completely cured and the tumor was gone. The miracle became well known.
Peter’s name at birth was Simon. He was from Bethsaida and the brother to St. Andrew. Both Simon and Peter were fishermen. It was Andrew who told Simon that he had found the Messiah. Jesus then called Simon to follow him.
Jesus gave Simon the name of Peter which means “rock”. When Peter acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah, the son of the living God, Jesus said to him, “You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
St. Peteris always listed as the first of the Apostles in all of the New Testament accounts. Peter, along with James and John were present at the transfiguration, the raising of Jairus’ daughter and the Agony in the Garden.
At the crucifixion Peter denied Jesus three times.
When Jesus appeared to Peter after the Resurrection, he told Peter three times “feed my sheep”.
After the Resurrection, Peter appointed the replacement of Judas. He preached to the Gentiles.
Peter died in Rome during the reign of Nero. He was crucified upside down because he declared himself unworthy to die in the same manner as the Lord.
St. Sebastian
St. Sebastian
Feast day: Jan. 20
Martyr
Patron of archers, athletes and soldiers
St. Sebastian was born in Gaul. He became a soldier in the Roman army. Sebastian converted many people to the christian faith. He is also known for curing a deaf mute.
St. Sebastian was named captain of the guards. When they learned he was Christian, he was ordered executed. He was shot with arrows and left to die. The widow of St. Castulas found him still alive and nursed him back to health. Soon after, he was beaten to death on the Emperors orders.
St. Sebastian is considered the patron saint of athletes because of his physical endurance and energetic way of defending the faith.
St. Thomas the Apostle
St. Thomas the Apostle
Feast day: July 3
Patron of architects
Apostle and Martyr
St. Thomas was born into a Jewish family. Jesus called him to be one of the twelve disciples.
He is most remembered for not believing that Jesus had risen from the dead, saying “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in his side I will not believe. John 20: 25
Jesus appeared to Thomas a week later saying “Peace be with you. Put your finger here and see my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered “My Lord and my God!”
St. Thomas is remembered as Doubting Thomas.
After Pentecost, Thomas was sent to evangelize the Parthians, Medes, Persians, and India.
St. Thomas was speared to death at Calamine.
St. Vincent de Paul
St. Vincent de Paul
Feast day: Sept. 27
Patron of Charitable Societies
St. Vincentwas born in 1581 to poor parents in Gascony, France. His first school was led by Franciscans. He was ordained a priest in 1600 after studying at the University of Toulousse.
St. Vincent was captured by pirates while he was at sea. They held him prisoner for two years. He escaped, going to Rome and then returning to France.
St. Vincent founded the Sister of Charity who served the poor through corporal and spiritual works of mercy. He then founded the Vincentians. Their mission was to serve the poor in smaller towns and villages. He also conducted retreats for clergy and established seminaries.
12. Remember that true humility consists in being ready for what the Lord wants to do with you and happy that we should do it, and in considering yourselves unworthy to be called His servants.
14. Do not be afraid to be holy. Have the courage and humility to present yourselves to the world determined to be holy, since true full Freedom is born from holiness.
During times of confusion, it always helps to turn to a powerful prayer to help us center our thoughts and erase our fears. The following prayers are powerful tools during these times of need.
If God is your co-pilot…perhaps you should change seats!!!
Take Lord and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding and my entire will, all I have and call my own.
You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is Yours do with it what You will. Give me only Your love and your grace, that is enough for me.
Father, I abandon myself into Your hands, do with me what You will. Whatever You may do, I thank You. I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only Your will be done in me and in all Your creatures. I wish no mere than this, O Lord.
Into Your hands, I commend my soul. I offer it to You with all the love of my heart, for I love You, Lord and so need to give myself into Your hands without reserve and with boundless confidence, for You are my Father.
O my God, I will put myself without reserve into your hands, Wealth or woe, joy or sorrow, friends or bereavement, honor or humiliation, good report or ill report, comfort or discomfort, Your presence or the hiding of Your countenance, all is good if it comes from You.
You are wisdom and You are love. What can I desire more? You have led me in Your counsel, and with glory You received me. What have I in heaven, and apart from You, what want I upon earth?
My flesh and my heart fail but God is the God of my heart, and my portion forever.
O my God, I offer You all my actions this day for the intentions and for the glory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
I desire to sanctify every beat of my heart, my every thought, my simplest works by uniting them to His infinite merits; and I wish to make reparation for my sins by casting them into the furnace of His merciful love.
Oh my God! I ask You for myself and for those I hold dear, the grace to fulfill perfectly Your hoiy will, to accept for love of You the joys and sorrows of this passing life, so that we may one day be united together in heaven for all eternity. Amen
Lead, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom. Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark and I am far from home, Lead Thou me on!
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see the distant scene; one step is enough for me.
I was not ever thus, nor pray’d that Thou shouldst lead me on; I loved to choose and see my path
but now lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day and spite of fears; pride ruled my will; remember not my past years. So long Your power hath blest me, sure it still will lead me on, o’er moor and fe, o’er crag and torrent, till the night is gone; and with the morn those angel faces smile which I have lived long since and lost awhile.
Many in the world today are discovering that not everything we believe is actually true. The following quotes are attributed to the Saints. Hopefully they will help us to understand the meaning of Truth.
1. Anyone who seeks Truth seeks God, whether or not he realizes it.
10. Jesus said, ” I am the Truth” and it is your duty and mine to speak the truth, then it is up to the person who hears it whether to accept or reject it.
Bl. Teresa of Calcutta U.S. Stamp Public Domain Image
11. When lies have been accepted for some time, Truth always stands with an air of novelty.
St. Clement of Alexandria…Church Father
12. True happiness is to rejoice in the Truth, for to rejoice in theTruth is to rejoice in you, O God, who are the Truth, you my God, my true Light, to whom I look for salvation.
St. Augustine
13. To lovers of the Truth, nothing can be put before God and Home in Him.
18. For He who is true God is also True man; and there is no deception in this union, where the loftiness of God and the lowliness of man are brought together.
The following articles are YOUR favorite articles on the Mystery of Faith. I have listed them in order of popularity. The year of 2024 is gone. I want to thank everyone for reading the articles I have posted.
May each of you have a blessed 2025!
I have listed the articles in order of popularity.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. he leads me beside still waters;[a] 3 he restores my soul.[b] He leads me in right paths[c] for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[d] I fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely[e] goodness and mercy[f] shall follow me all the days of my life,
