St. Anastasia

Image from SACCFL.ORG

Feast Day: December 25

Saint Anastasia is known as a Christian martyr and saint, celebrated for her unwavering faith and her steadfastness in the face of persecution. Her story is one of courage, faith, and resilience, making her an inspirational figure for many Christians around the world. Here's an overview of her life, feast day, patronage, a prayer, and a reflection on her life.

Biography:

Anastasia of Sirmium, also known as Saint Anastasia or Anastasia the Pharmakolytria (the Deliverer from Potions), was a Christian saint and martyr who lived during the time of the Roman Empire, around the 3rd century AD. She was born to a pagan father and a Christian mother, which influenced her early exposure to Christianity.

She is venerated as a healer and exorcist. According to tradition, she was martyred for her Christian faith during the persecutions under the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Anastasia of Sirmium is particularly revered in the Eastern Orthodox Church, with her feast day celebrated on December 22nd. Her name, Anastasia, means "resurrection" in Greek, symbolizing her enduring significance in Christian tradition.

Saint Anastasia believed to have died around 304 AD.  Anastasia was known for her dedication to Christian prisoners, providing them with relief and support. She was married to a Roman official who was also a pagan, and upon his death, she dedicated her life fully to the Christian cause.

Feast Day:

The feast day of Saint Anastasia is celebrated on December 22nd in the Western Church and on December 25th in the Eastern Church. These dates commemorate her martyrdom and her enduring legacy within the Christian faith.

Patronage:

Saint Anastasia is considered the patron saint of martyrs, weavers, and those who suffer from poisonings and witchcraft. Her patronage is reflective of her life's work, providing care to those in need, and her martyrdom, which is said to have involved poisoning.

Prayer to Saint Anastasia

"O Glorious Saint Anastasia, you who stood firm in the faith and were set ablaze with the love of Christ, guide us in times of trouble and affliction. Protect us from poison and witchcraft, and intercede for us with your compassion. May we be inspired by your courage and faithfulness to endure our trials and tribulations with grace. Help us to remain steadfast in our love for God, following in your holy footsteps. Amen."

Reflection on Her Life:

Reflecting on the life of Saint Anastasia, we are reminded of the power of faith and the strength it can provide in the face of adversity. Her unwavering commitment to her beliefs, even unto death, serves as a beacon of light for all who face persecution or hardship. Saint Anastasia's life exemplifies the Christian virtues of charity, faith, and hope. Her acts of kindness towards prisoners and the downtrodden showcase the transformative power of love and compassion in a world often filled with darkness and despair.

Saint Anastasia's story encourages us to stand firm in our convictions and to act with kindness towards others, no matter the cost. Her legacy is a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and the impact one individual's unwavering dedication can have on the world.

St. Agatha of Sicily

Feast Day: February 5

Saint Agatha of Sicily is a Christian saint, revered for her martyrdom in the 3rd century AD. Her story is an example of faith and resilience in the face of persecution.

Birth and Early Life: Agatha was born in Catania, Sicily, around 231 AD. Little is known about her early life, but she came from a wealthy and noble family.

Faith and Vow of Virginity: From a young age, Agatha committed herself to Christianity and took a vow of chastity.

Persecution by Quintianus: Her beauty attracted the attention of a Roman prefect, Quintianus, who made advances toward her. Agatha refused, citing her vow to God.

Imprisonment and Torture: In retaliation, Quintianus had her imprisoned and subjected to torture. This included the severing of her breasts, a detail that later became a significant aspect of her iconography.

Faith During Suffering: Despite the torture, Agatha remained steadfast in her faith.

Death: Agatha died in prison around 251 AD, likely due to the severity of her injuries.

Patronage:

Saint Agatha is venerated as a patron saint in various contexts:

Patroness of Sicily: She is particularly revered in Sicily, especially in her hometown of Catania.

Protection Against Fire: Her intercession is sought for protection against fire, possibly due to the legend of Mount Etna's eruption being halted at her veil's touch.

Patron of Breast Cancer Patients: Given the nature of her martyrdom, she is often invoked by those suffering from breast cancer and other diseases of the breast.

Patron of Bell Founders: Due to the shape of her severed breasts. These associations are more symbolic, linked to the instruments of her martyrdom and her iconography.

Recorded Miracle:

Intervention During Etna's Eruption: Many legends talk about the miracle attributed to her miraculous veil for stopping a lava flow from Mount Etna. Etna’s eruption of 252 AD, is the year after the death of Agatha.

Prayer to Saint Agatha:

"O Heavenly Father, who glorified Your faithful servant Agatha with the crown of martyrdom, grant us, through her intercession, the strength to overcome the temptations of this world and remain steadfast in our faith. May we, inspired by the example of Saint Agatha, endure our trials with courage and grace, seeking always to do Your will. Through her prayers, may we find healing and comfort in our afflictions, especially those who suffer from illnesses of the breast. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen."

Reflection:

Reflecting on Saint Agatha's life, we are reminded of the virtues of faith, courage, and purity. Her unwavering commitment to God in the face of unimaginable pain and suffering teaches us about the power of faith to endure hardships. Her story encourages us to stand firm in our convictions and to trust in God's plan, even when faced with trials and tribulations. Saint Agatha's legacy continues to inspire and offer solace, especially to those battling illnesses or facing persecution for their beliefs.

Saint Anthony of Padua

Feast Day: January 13
Doctor of the Church

St. Anthony of Padua was always seen in public squares and market places preaching and defending the truths of the Catholic Faith.  His preachings were simple yet it resounded and touched the hearts of so many that crowds of people including the heretics returned to the Church. For this reason, he is called the “hammer of the Heretics”.

Though most of his work was in Italy, Anthony was born in 1195 at Lisbon, of a noble Portuguese family. His father was a captain in the royal army.  At the age of fifteen he joined the canons regular of St. Augustine where for a period of eight years, he devoted himself to study and prayer.

One day, a group of missionaries on their way to preach the Gospel of Christ to the inhabitants of Morocco passed by their monastery.  These missionaries namely St. Bernard, St. Peter, St. Otho, St. Accursius, and St. Adjutus were massacred by the Moors and became the first martyrs of the Franciscan Order.  When the remains were brought to be buried in his church, Anthony was so moved by their martyrdom that he repeatedly begged his superiors to be given the permission to join the Franciscan Order and go to Morocco to evangelize. He was 26 years old when this earnest wish was fulfilled.

On his way to Africa, he was stricken with severe illness and so resigning to the will of God, he boarded a ship back to Portugal.  As the ship was driven out of its course by storm winds, St. Anthony found safety in the harbour at Messina, Sicily. From there, he made his way to Assisi.  St. Anthony was greeted by the Franciscans and remained there for nine months as chaplain to the Friars. When he was not praying, he was serving them by doing the lowliest duties in the convent.

In 1222, a ceremony of ordination attended by a number of Dominicans and Franciscans was held at Forli. The scheduled speaker failed to appear, so the provincial asked if someone else can give a sermon. All declined the invitation, until finally, St. Anthony was asked to give it.  St Anthony so impressed them that he was thereafter constantly invited to evagelize, preach, and teach theology throughout Italy and France. A gifted speaker, he attracted crowds everywhere he went and St Anthony's devotion to the Sacred Scriptures and to Mary were evident in his teachings.

Saint Anthony was only 36 years old when he died. Upon receiving the last sacrament he gazed
up and smiled. When asked what he saw, he answered: "I see my Lord."

The following year after his death, Saint Anthony was canonized  by Pope Gregory IX and was
proclaimed Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XII in 1946.

Patronage:

Saint Anthony is the patron saint of various causes, most notably:

Lost Items: He is famously invoked for the recovery of lost items, a tradition stemming from a story where a novice took his psalter, which was miraculously returned.

Travelers and Sailors: His extensive travels during his missionary work made him a patron for those who travel.

The Poor and Oppressed: His dedication to the poor and sick is a significant part of his legacy.

Marriage and Family Issues: Known to intercede in matters of the heart and family.

Prayer to Saint Anthony:

"O Holy Saint Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy when on earth to possess miraculous powers. Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me [mention your request]. O gentle and loving Saint Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen."

Reflection:

Prayer is St Anthony's expression of his dependence on God.

Saint Anthony earnestly sought God through prayer and diligent study of the Scriptures,
meditating constantly on the Divine. It is this deep relationship with God that made his
heart burn within him to share and proclaim Christ to all people.  By this relationship, St.
Anthony lived more faithfully as Jesus' disciple, evangelizing, reconciling sinners with God
and sharing Jesus love with others.

Another fruit that St Anthony manifested was humility. Humility is accepting ourselves as we
truly are before God and realizing that our confidence and our greatness lies
in Christ.

Saint Blaise

Feast  Day: February 3


Only a few facts are known about Saint Blaise.

Saint Blaise was born in to a noble and affluent family who raised him to be a man of God. He spent time studying philosophy and later medicine.

Saint Blaise became the bishop of Sebastea in Armenia during the reign of Licinius in the early fourth century, when a series of persecution began again.  In one of his prayers, he got a message to set off to the mountains so as to escape persecution. He lived in a cave on Mount Argeus but as soon as people found out where he was, they came flocking to him from nearby countries and provinces for the cure of their ailments both spiritual and physical.

He was discovered by the huntsmen when they saw the myriads of people waiting outside the cave while Blaise was praying.  He was arrested, put in prison and was martyred. While in prison, a boy was brought to him who had a fishbone stuck in his throat -this led to the blessing of throats on February 3- Saint Blaise’s feast day.

The blessing of St. Blaise is done by consecrating two candles which are then held in a crossed position by a priest and pressed against the throat or over the head as the following blessing is said: "May God at the intercession of St. Blasius preserve you from throat troubles and every other evil."

Patronage:

Saint Blaise is venerated as the patron saint of:

Throat illnesses

Animals

Wool combers

Veterinarians

Various places and professions associated with throat diseases

Feast Day

Roman Catholic Church: Celebrated on February 3.

Eastern Orthodox Church: Celebrated on February 11.

Prayer to Saint Blaise

"O Glorious Saint Blaise, who by your martyrdom has left to the Church a precious witness to the faith, obtain for us the grace to preserve within ourselves this divine gift, and to defend, without human respect, both by word and example, the truth of that same faith, which is so wickedly attacked and slandered in these our times. You who miraculously cured a little child when it was at the point of death by reason of an affliction of the throat, grant us your powerful protection in like misfortunes; and, above all, obtain for us the grace of dying a holy death. Amen."

Reflection:

Reflecting on the life of Saint Blaise encourages us to consider the strength of faith in the face of adversity. His commitment to serving others, despite the danger to his own life, highlights the virtue of selflessness. In our own lives, we can draw inspiration from his example to aid those in need and to stand firm in our beliefs, even when faced with challenges. The story of Saint Blaise also reminds us of the power of intercessory prayer and the importance of spiritual well-being alongside physical health.

Saint Vincent Ferrer

Feast Day: April 5

Saint Vincent Ferrer was born at Valencia, Spain on January 23, 1357.

In 1374, he entered the Order of St. Dominic and on the following year was sent to the house of studies at Barcelona. He received his doctorate at Catalonia and devoted most of his time to preaching. For twenty years, St. Vincent Ferrer evangelized nearly every province of his country and had tread through Western Europe preaching in France, Italy, Germany, the Alpine Region, Flanders, England, Ireland and Scotland.  People flocked as he preached in marketplaces and squares and though St Vincent Ferrer could only speak the language of Valencia, multitudes were won over by his preaching and numerous conversions were made.   For this, he was known as the missionary of the fourteenth century.

Saint Vincent labored zealously among the people.  He not only preached but he lived them.  He arose at two in the morning for prayer and meditation. Celebrated the daily Mass at six, preached, visited the sick and made himself available for spiritual counseling.  At eight in the evening, St. Vincent Ferrer would prepare his sermon for the next day.  He lived simply and refused all ecclesiastical dignities, including the opportunity to be a cardinal.  

 St Vincent Ferrer lived in an era when the Church was divided by the great schism. During his last days, St Vincent lived to see the Council of Constance ending the Western Schism and electing Martin V as pope.

Because of his work in uniting and building the church in brotherly love, St. Vincent Ferrer became the patron saint of builders.

Patronage:

St. Vincent Ferrer is often venerated as the patron saint of several causes and places, including:

Builders: He is believed to have helped find building materials for the construction of churches and monasteries.

Orphanages: Due to his care for the needy and destitute.

Bridge builders: Symbolically representing his role in building bridges between people and God.

Vannes, France: The city where he passed away, and he is especially venerated there.

Prayer to St. Vincent Ferrer:

Dear St. Vincent Ferrer, patron of builders, orphans, and bridge builders, we turn to you in our times of need. Just as you dedicated your life to spreading the Gospel and helping those less fortunate, we ask for your intercession in our lives.

Help us to build strong foundations in our faith, to care for the orphaned and vulnerable, and to bridge the gaps that separate us from God and one another. Pray for us, that we may follow your example of fervent preaching and tireless service to the Church. Amen.

Reflection:

*St. Vincent Ferrer’s zeal is remarkable. He worked for the salvation of souls and for unity in the Church.  He also showed great humility and patience in bearing all things for the love of Christ and for the work of the Church.

For someone who had constantly preached about brotherly love and unity, the schism must have been a constant source of misery to St. Vincent Ferrer.  And what amazes me is that God in His goodness, relieved St Vincent of this burden by letting him witness the end of the great schism.

*St. Vincent Ferrer's life serves as an inspiration for us all. His dedication to God, his unwavering faith, and his commitment to helping others, especially the marginalized, are qualities that we can strive to emulate. In our own lives, we can reflect on how we can be bridge builders, bringing people closer to one another and to God. St. Vincent Ferrer's legacy reminds us of the transformative power of faith and the importance of reaching out to those in need, just as he did throughout his life.

Saint Martin de Porres

Feast Day: November 3

The father of Martin de Porres was a Spanish knight & adventurer and his mother a colored freed-woman from Panama.  Martin de Porres was born on the 9^th of December, 1579 in Lima, Peru.  Don Juan de Porres left Martin’s mother and just sent money every now and then.   Martin grew up in poverty and bore the stigma of having mixed blood and the shame of being an illegitimate child.  

When Martin turned 8, his father sent money for him and his sister to go to school. At age 12, he became an apprentice to a barber-surgeon where he learned to cut hair as well as to draw blood, prepare medicinal herbs, set broken bones and to properly care for the sick.  It was also during this time that he became a servant in the Holy Rosary Dominican priory.  At fifteen, he was allowed to become a lay brother at the Dominican Friary and was placed in charge of the infirmary.

St. Martin de Porres spent much time in prayer and meditation and had a great devotion to the sacrament of the Eucharist.  God endowed him with many supernatural graces and lights.  There are recorded instances when he was seen bi-locating or was inside the chapel levitating and so filled with love for Christ.  He went about curing the sick and giving alms to the poor; helped the farm laborers, Negroes and mulattoes.  He was good-natured and charitable and thus gained the name “Martin the charitable”.  He is also known as the first Black Saint from the Americas.

Patronage:

Animals: St. Martin de Porres is the patron saint of animals, especially for those who care for and show kindness to them.

Racial Harmony: He is also venerated as a symbol of racial harmony and social justice due to his mixed-race heritage and his tireless efforts to help all people, regardless of their background.

Prayer to St. Martin de Porres:

O compassionate St. Martin de Porres, you who humbly served the marginalized and cared for the suffering, we turn to you in our times of need. You, who showed love to all, regardless of their race or station in life, inspire us to follow your example of boundless charity.

Help us to embrace humility and find joy in serving others, especially those who are most in need. Intercede for us, dear Saint, in our petitions for healing, unity, and harmony among all people. Pray for us that we may become instruments of God's love and peace in the world.

St. Martin de Porres, patron of animals and advocate for social justice, we seek your guidance and intercession. Amen.

Reflection:

*What amazes me about Saint Martin de Porres is his profound humility.  He had suffered much and had experienced terrible humiliation yet instead of wallowing in self-pity  or  instead of redeeming himself by compensating or retaliating he continued to live in self- imposed poverty and reached out to the sick, the poor and the oppressed.  To me, this is a clear evidence that he was able to transcend the prejudice and humiliation he went through in his childhood.

 This reminds me of the quote from Mother Teresa about if you are humble nothing can hurt you.  Here's an  accurate quote on that one:

"Humility is the mother of all virtues; purity, charity and obedience.  It is in being humble that our love becomes real, devoted and ardent.  If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are.  If you are blamed you will not be discouraged.  If they call you a saint you will not put yourself on a pedestal." 
-Mother Teresa of Calcutta, 'The Joy in Loving' page 363

 To Martin de Porres, only God suffices. His knowledge of the greatness of God, made him aware of his dignity as a child of God as well as his nothingness.  Though he is nothing, God loves him profoundly.  This experience of God’s love is all that mattered.  God’s love redeemed Martin and healed him of his pains.  To Saint Martin de Porres, God’s love was the source of all the love he generously shared to the poor, the sick and the unwanted and he looked on these poor people the way he looked at himself - a child of God.

* In God’s great wisdom, He chose Martin de Porres, an illegitimate, Negro to be a Saint to show that His love is universal.  

* St. Martin de Porres' life reminds us of the profound impact one person can have through simple acts of kindness and selfless service. His example teaches us to look beyond outward appearances and prejudices, to see the inherent dignity in every person, and to treat all with love and compassion.

As we celebrate his feast day, let us reflect on how we can emulate his virtues in our own lives. May we find joy in humble service, reach out to those in need, and work towards a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race or background. St. Martin de Porres, pray for us and help us be agents of love, unity, and peace in our communities and in the world.

Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini

Feast Day: November 13

St. Frances was born in Lombardi, Italy on July 15, 1850. She was the thirteenth child of a farmer's family and was educated to be a school teacher.

In her teens, she desired to become a Nun, but poor health stood in her way. The idea however, never deserted her so she sought admission from one religious order to another only to be rejected over and over.  Finally, Monsignor Serrati, saw her potential and assigned her to a small orphanage which had been poorly managed and the funds squandered.  Despite this, Frances attracted other recruits to the community.  She made her vows  and took the religious habit in September 1877.   Eventually, at the request of her Bishop, St Frances Xavier Cabrini  founded the "Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart" to care for poor children in schools and hospitals.    Along with her are 6 other sisters from the orphanage.

St Frances Cabrini's time marked the period of great migrations to America.  In Italy, Bishop Scalabrini, spoke to her about the religious and social conditions of the Italian immigrants in the States and pleaded her to go there.

Even with her frail condition, Frances Cabrini along with other six sisters traveled to New York City to work among the thousands of Italian immigrants.  Upon arriving, they were told that the house intended to be Cabrini’s first orphanage in the United States was not available. Cabrini was advised to return, but determined to establish the orphanage and believing that this was God’s will for her, she refused to leave.  St Frances Xavier Cabrini set up  orphanages and schools for the Scalabrini Fathers; organized schools and adult education classes for the immigrants as well as put up hospitals in New York and Chicago and a mission in New Orleans. She didn’t stop there but went all the way to Nicaragua, South America, England and Spain to set up schools and hospital.  At the time of her death, on December 22, 1917, at Chicago, Illinois.  Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini founded nearly seventy institutions dedicated to caring for the poor, abandoned, uneducated and the sick.  In these institutions, she was known to have an astute business sense and fine administrative abilities.

In 1946, she was elevated to sainthood by Pope Pius XII making Frances Xavier Cabrini the first American citizen to be canonized. One of the miracles attributed to her was the complete healing of the baby accidentally blinded at birth.

Patronage:

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini is the patron saint of immigrants, hospital administrators, and the Universal Church.

Prayer:

Dear St. Frances Xavier Cabrini,

You who dedicated your life to serving the needs of immigrants and the marginalized,

We turn to you in times of uncertainty and change,

Asking for your intercession and guidance.

Help us to have the courage and compassion you displayed,

As we strive to welcome and support those who seek refuge in our land,

Grant us the strength to see the face of Christ in every person we encounter,

And inspire us to work tirelessly for justice and equality.

St. Cabrini, patroness of immigrants and hospital administrators,

Pray for us, that we may follow your example of selflessness and love.

Amen.

Reflection:

Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini is a woman of prayer and action.  Surely, she met disappointment and difficulties in executing these tasks but her deep trust in God gave her the strength to continue doing Christ's work.  She always accepted challenging moments in her life with patience and love. And because of her persistence and desire to give herself wholly to God she became a pioneer worker for the Italian immigrants and established orphanages, schools, and hospitals, in over eight countries in Europe, North, Central and South America.

Mother Cabrini is a source of inspiration to women of today.  She is consistent and uncompromising in her faith and values.  By balancing prayer and action whether in taking care of the children, cooking, cleaning the house or working or running an institution…..etc.  Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini proclaimed Christ not only by words, but by example and service as well.  

As we reflect on her life and work, may we also be moved to reach out to the marginalized and offer them the compassion and support they deserve. St. Cabrini's dedication to serving immigrants reminds us of our duty to welcome and care for those who seek refuge and a better life, just as she did during her lifetime.

Saint Francis de Sales

Feast Day: January 24


Francis de Sales was born to a wealthy family in France in 1567. His parents intended for him to become a lawyer, but Francis believed he is pre-destined to be a priest.

During the time of the Protestant reformation (1517-1648), Francis decided to go to Switzerland then a Calvinist territory, to convert around 60,000 Calvinists back to Catholicism. Everyone thought this to be an absurd plan that even his father refused to help him.  By the time he left, he only got one supporter - his cousin.

They trudged through the countryside enduring the bitter winter and patiently evangelizing from district to district.  Doors shut in their faces and rocks thrown at them.  After three years with not a single convert, his cousin left him alone.

Francis kept on praying and continually searched for ways to reach the people.  As no one would even open their doors to him, he wrote out his sermons, made several copies of it and slipped them under the doors. These tracts consist of the leading dogmas of the Church and the logical reasoning behind the teachings of the Church. This first recorded religious tracts were later collected and printed in a volume called Catholic Controversy: St. Francis De Sales Defense of the Faith

By the time Francis left to go back to France, he is said to have converted 40,000 Calvinists back to Catholicism.

In 1602, Francis was made bishop of the diocese of Geneva, another Calvinist territory.
 He believed that the foremost duty of a bishop was spiritual direction.  Francis gave spiritual direction to lay people and proved with his own life that people can grow in holiness even when they are not called for “religious life”.  To keep his flock strong in faith he wrote books such as Introduction to Devout Life, Treatise on the Devout Life and Treatise of the Love of God.   Francis advice to busy people is to "Retire at various times into the solitude of your own heart, even while outwardly engaged in discussions or transactions with others and talk to God."

Through his zeal and kind preaching he brought encouragement and guidance to innumerable persons, one of whom was St. Jane Frances de Chantal.

Patronage:

St. Francis de Sales is the patron saint of writers, journalists, and the Catholic press due to his prolific writings and his efforts to use the written word to spread the faith.

Prayer to St Francis de Sales:

O God, who through Saint Francis de Sales

gave us a great teacher of the devout life,

grant that we may learn to follow his teachings

and practice his virtues with ardent love for You.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Reflection:

* Saint Francis de Sales' life and teachings emphasize the importance of gentleness, patience, and love in spreading the message of faith. His approach to spirituality encourages us to lead lives of devotion and holiness in the midst of our daily routines. Let us strive to emulate his example by approaching our faith with sincerity, compassion, and a deep love for God and our fellow human beings. May his intercession guide us in our journey toward a more devout and meaningful life.

* St. Francis de Sales love for God enabled him to surpass all the obstacles, even conquering his own temper and impatience.  He was convinced of the existence of God and the teachings of the Church instituted by Christ that he defended God and His Church amidst all the difficulties and seemingly hopeless efforts.  He shared this love with others by patiently bringing people to God and accompanying them on their spiritual journey so that they too will experience and see for themselves this wonderful, awesome God.

Patron Saints (U to Z)

St. Ursula    
Feast Day:  October 21
Patron of Catholic Education; Orphans, archers, students
           
St. Valentine of Rome    
Feast Day:  February 14
Patron of Love
           
St. Veronica    
Feast Day:  July 12
Patron of Photographers
         

St. Victor of Marseilles    
Feast Day:  July 21
Patron of Lightning and Millers;        
  Patron of Torture Victims   

St. Victor the Moor or Victor of Milan
Feast Day: May 8
Patron of Varese, Italy

St. Vincent de Paul    
Feast Day:  September 27
Patron of Charities and Caregivers: Patron of Charitable Societies
             
St. Vincent Ferrer    
Feast Day:  April 5
Patron of Construction Workers

St. Vincent of Saragossa
Feast Day: January 22
Patron of Vintners       

St. Vitus    
Feast Day:  June 15
Patron of Actors and Comedians
            
St. Walburga
Feast Day: February 25   
Patron of Coughs, Dog bites; Sailors and Storms
           
St. Walter of Pontnoise (Saint Walter Gautier}   
Feast Day:  April 8
Patron of Prisoners of war (POW's); prisoners
             
St. Wenceslaus    
Feast Day:  September 28
Patron of Brewers
             
St. William of Rochester    
Feast Day:  May 23
Patron of Adopted Children

St. Winifred
Feast Day: November 3
 Patron of Virgins

             
St. Wolfgang    
Feast Day:  October 31
Patron of Paralysis and Strokes

Saint Yves (Saint Ivo of Kermartin)
Feast Day: May 19
Patron of Lawyers and Abandoned Children   
           
St. Zita    
Feast Day:  April 27
Patron of Servers, Homemakers and Single Laywomen

Patron Saints (P to T)

St. Patrick
Feast Day:  March 17
Patron of Ireland, Snakes & Engineers
      
St. Paul the Apostle
Feast Day: January 25
Patron of Publishers and Reporters; Missions
      
St. Paula
Feast Day:  January 26
Patron of Widows    
  
St. Peregrine Laziosi
Feast Day:  May 1
Patron of Cancer and Running Sores
      
St. Perpetua
Feast Day:  March 7
Patron of Martyrs and Cattle
      
St. Peter the Apostle
Feast Day:  June 29
Patron of Butchers and Fishermen
      
    
St. Petronille Pétronille, Aurelia Petronilla; Pernelle; Peroline;  Pérette; Perrenotte; Perrette; Perrine; Peyronne;  Perronelle; Petronella;Peyronnelle; Pierrette;Périne
Feast Day: May 31
Patron of Fevers; Travelers and Mountaineers
      
St. Philip the Apostle
Feast Day: May 3
Patron of Hatters and Pastry Chefs

St. Philip Neri
Feast Day:  May 26
Patron of the United States Army and Rome
      
St. Philomena
Feast Day: August 11
Patron of Children, sterility, loss causes
      
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati
Feast Day:  July 4
Patron of World Youth Day
      
St. Pio of Pietrelcina
Feast Day: September 23
Patron of adolescents, civil defense volunteers

St. Polycarp of Smyrna
Feast Day:  February 23
Patron of Dysentery and Against Earache
      

St. Rafka
Feast Day:  March 23
Patron of Bodily Ills and Loss of Parent
      
St. Raphael the Archangel
Feast Day:  September 29
Patron of the Blind, Love and Safe Journey
      
St. Raymond Nonnatus
Feast Day:  August 31
Patron of Infants and Childbirth
      
St. Rebecca
Feast Day:  September 4
Patron of Sickness
      
St. Regina
Feast Day:  September 7
Patron Against Poverty
    
St. Regis
Feast Day:  June 16
Patron of Social Workers and Lace Makers
        
    
St. Rene Goupil
Feast Day:  October 19
Patron of Anesthesiologists
      
St. Richard
Feast Day: April 3
Patron of Large Families
      
St. Rita of Cascia
Feast Day:  May 22
Patron of Loneliness and Impossible Dreams
      
St. Robert Bellarmine
Feast Day:  September 17
Patron of Catechists
  
St. Rocco(Roch)
Feast Day: August 16
Patron against Epidemics; Bachelors, surgeons
      
      
St. Rosalia
Feast Day:  September 4
Patron of Palermo, Sicily
      
St. Rose of Lima
Feast Day:  August 23
Patron of Vanity and South America

St. Sarah
Feast Day:  August 19
Patron of Infertility

St. Scholastica
Feast Day:  February 10
Patron of Nuns and Storms
    
St. Sebastian
Feast Day:  January 20
Patron of Athletes and Soldiers

  
St. Simon the Apostle
Feast Day: October 28
Patron of Couriers and tanners
    
  
St. Stanislaus
Feast Day:  November 13
Patron of Broken Bones

St. Stephen the Martyr
Feast Day:  December 26
Patron of Deacons and Stonemasons
  
St. Susanna
Feast Day: August 11
Patron of those named Susanna

St. Tarcisius
Feast Day:  August 15
Patron of Altar Servers

St. Teresa of Avila
Feast Day: October 15
Patron of Foreign Missions: loss of parents, people in religious order
    
St. Therese of Lisieux
Feast Day:  October 1
Patron of Aviators and Florists
    
St. Thomas the Apostle
Feast Day:  July 3
Patron of Architects and Blind People
    
St. Thomas Aquinas
Feast Day:  January 28
Patron of Catholic Schools and Students
    
St. Thomas A Becket
Feast Day: December 29
Patron of Clergy
    
St. Thomas More
Feast Day:  June 22
Patron of Lawyers and Statesmen
    
St. Thomas of Villanova
Feast Day:  September 18
Patron of the Poor and Orphans
    
St. Timothy
Feast Day:  January 26
Patron of Stomach Disorders
    
St. Teresa of Avila
Feast Day:  October 15
Patron of Headaches and Loss of Parents

Patron Saints (K to O)

St. Kateri Tekakwitha
Feast Day: July 14
Patron of the Environment; People in Exile

St. Katharine Drexel
Feast Day: March 3
Patron against Racism

St. Kenneth/ Saint Cainnech of Aghaboe/Saint Canice in Ireland/Saint Kenneth in Scotland/Saint Kenny/Saint Canicus
Feast Day: October 11
Patron of the Shipwrecked

St. Kevin / Saint Kevin of Glendalough/ Saint Cóemgen
Feast Day: June 3
Patron of Blackbirds and Ireland

St. Kilian
Feast Day: July 8
Patron of Whitewashers and Rheumatism

St. Lawrence
Feast Day: August 10
Patron of Chefs and Comedians

St. Lazarus
Feast Day: June 21
Patron of Leprosy

St. Leo the Great
Feast Day: November 10
Patron of Speakers

St. Lidwina of Schiedam/Saint Lydwine
Feast Day: April 14
Patron of Sickness

St. Lillian
Feast Day: July 27
Patron of those named Lillian

St. Louis /King Louis IX of France
Feast Day: August 25
Patron of Builders and Parenthood

St. Louise de Marillac
Feast Day: March 15
Patron of Orphans and Social Workers

St. Lucia of Syracuse / Saint Lucy
Feast Day: December 13
Patron of Eye Diseases and Writers

St. Luigi Orione
Feast Day: March 12
Patron of the Poor, Homeless and Abandoned

St. Luke the Apostle
Feast Day: October 18
Patron of Physicians and Painters

St. Madeline Sophie Barat
Feast Day: May 25
Patron of the Society of the Sacred Heart

St. Madonna del Ghisallo
Feast Day: October 13
Patron of Cyclists

St. Malachy O'More
Feast Day: November 3
Patron of the Archdiocese of Armagh, Ireland

St. Marcellin Champagnat
Feast Day: June 6
Patron of Education

St. Margaret of Cortona
Feast Day: February 22
Patron of Midwives and the Homeless

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
Feast Day: October 17
Patron of Polio and Loss of Parents; Patron of those devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

St. Maria Faustina
Feast Day: October 5
Patron of the Apostle of Divine Mercy

St. Maria Goretti
Feast Day: July 6
Patron of Teenage Girls and Loss of Parents

St. Mark the Evangelist
Feast Day: April 25
Patron of Notaries and Lawyers

St. Martha
Feast Day: July 29
Patron of Maids and Innkeepers

St. Martin de Porres
Feast Day: November 3
Patron of Bi-racial People and Television

St. Martin of Tours
Feast Day: November 11
Patron of Reformed Alcoholics

St. Mary Magdalene
Feast Day: July 22
Patron of Converts; Apothecaries;Pharmacists

St. Matilda
Feast Day: March 14
Patron of the Falsely Accused

St. Matthew the Apostle
Feast Day: September 21 (West); November 16 (East)
Patron of Accountants and Bankers

St. Matthias the Apostle
Feast Day: May 14
Patron againsts Alcoholism; Tailors and Carpenters

St. Maurus
Feast Day: October 5
Patron of Cripples, Cobblers ; invoked against Rheumatism, Epilepsy and Colds

St. Maximilian Kolbe
Feast Day: August 14
Patron of Charity and Drug Abuse; Pro-life movement

St. Meinrad of Einsiedeln
Feast Day: January 21
Patron of Switzerland and Hospitality

St. Michael the Archangel
Feast Day: September 29
Patron of Police Officers and Emergency Medical Technicians

St. Monica
Feast Day: August 27
Patron of Abuse Victims, Difficult Marriages, Disappointing Children; Victims of Verbal Abuse

St. Nicholas
Feast Day: December 6
Patron of Children, Bakers, and Brides

St. Nimatullah/ Saint Nimattullah Kassab Al-Hardini
Feast Day: December 14
Patron of Beirut, Lebanon

St. Odilia /Saint Odile or Ottilia
Feast Day: July 18
Patron of Eye Disease and Eye Problems

Patron Saints (F to J)

St . Felicity
Feast Day: November 23
Patron of Sterility; Death of Children and Widows

St. Fiacre
Feast Day: September 1
Patron of Gardeners, Taxi Cab Drivers and Florist

St. Fina
Feast Day: March 12 or (1st Sunday of August)
Patron of Handicapped People

St. Finnian of Clonard
Feast Day: December 12
Patron of Teaching and Sharing

St. Florian
Feast Day: May 4
Patron of Firefighters

St. Frances Cabrini / Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini
Feast Day: December 22
Patron of Hospital Administrators and Immigrants

St. Frances of Rome / Saint Francesca Romana
Feast Day: March 9
Patron of Motorists, Benedictine Oblates

St. Francis of Assisi
Feast Day: October 4
Patron of Animals and Catholic Action

St. Francis de Sales
Feast Day: January 24
Patron of Authors, Teachers and Deafness

St. Francis Xavier
Feast Day: December 3
Patron of Foreign Missions

St. Gabriel Possenti /Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows
Feast Day: February 27
Patron of College Students, Youth, Clerics, Seminarians

St. Gemma Galgani
Feast Day: April 11
Patron of Pharmacists, Tuberculosis patients

St. Genesius of Rome
Feast Day: August 25
Patron of Actors, Comedians, Dancers and Musicians

St. Genevieve
Feast Day: January 3
Patron of Disasters and Women Army Corps
Patroness of Paris

St. George of Lydda
Feast Day: April 23
Patron of Boy Scouts and Soldiers

St. Gerard Majella
Feast Day: October 16
Patron of Expectant Mothers; Unborn Children, Falsely Accused People

St. Germaine Cousin/ Saint Germana Cousin
Feast Day: June 15
Patron of the Disabled and Abuse Victims

St. Gertrude of Nivelles
Feast Day: March 17
Patron of Travellers and Cats; Mental Illness

St. Gianna Beretta Molla
Feast Day: April 28
Patron of mothers, physicians, preborn children

St. Giles
Feast Day: September 1
Patron of Cancer Patients, Handicapped, Beggars, Blacksmiths and Outcasts

St. Gregory the Great
Feast Day: September 3
Patron of Musicians and Singers

St. Hannibal di'Francia/ Annibale Maria di Francia
Feast Day: June 1
Patron of Orphanages and Seminarians

St. Helen /Saint Helena
Feast Day: August 18
Patron of Difficult Marriages and Divorce

St. Henry II
Feast Day: July 13
Patron of the Handicapped and the Childless

St. Hubert of Liege
Feast Day: November 3
Patron of Archers, Hunters, and Dogs

St. Honorius of Amiens/ Saint Honoratus of Amiens
Feast Day: May 16
Patron of Bakers, Pastry Chefs, Flour merchants and Florists


St. Ignatius of Loyola
Feast Day: July 31
Patron of Soldiers

St. Isaac Jogues
Feast Day: October 19
Patron of the Americas

St. Isabella of Portugal
Feast Day: July 4
Patron of Peace and Charities

St. Isidore of Seville
Feast Day: April 4
Patron of Computers and the Internet(not official but widely considered); Students


St. Isidore the Farmer
Feast Day: May 15
Patron of Agricultural Workers
Patron of National Rural Conference in the United States

St. John Chrysostom
Feast Day: September 13
Patron of Epilepsy, Orators, and Preachers

St. James the Greater (Apostle) brother of Saint John the Evangelist
Feast Day: July 25
Patron of Veterinarians and Against Arthritis

St. James the Lesser (Apostle) brother of Saint Jude Thaddeus
Feast Day: May 3
Patron of Pharmacists

St. Januarius
Feast Day: September 19
Patron of Blood Banks and Volcanic Eruptions

St. Jason
Feast Day: July 12
Patron of those named Jason

St. Jerome
Feast Day: September 30
Patron of Archeologists, Archivists, Bible Scholars, Librarians, Students and Translators

St. Joachim

Patron of Fathers & Grandfathers
Patron of Puerto Rico

St. Joan of Arc
Feast Day: May 30
Patron of Soldiers , People ridiculed for their piety, Prisoners
Patron of France

St. John Neumann
Feast Day: January 5
Patron of Catholic Education

St. John the Apostle
Feast Day: December 27
Patron of Engravers, Editors, and Printers

St. John the Baptist
Feast Day: June 24
Patron of Auto Routes and Road Workers

St. John Baptist de La Salle
Feast Day: April 7
Patron of Educators and Teachers
“Father of Modern Education”

St. John Berchmans
Feast Day: November 26
Patron of Altar Servers

St. John Bosco
Feast Day: January 31
Patron of Students and Apprentices

St. John of Capistrano/ Giovanni da Capistrano
Feast Day: March 28
Patron of Judges and Military Chaplains

St. John of the Cross
Feast Day: December 14
Patron of Contemplatives, Mystical Theology

St. John of God
Feast Day: March 8
Patron of Alcoholics and the Sick

St. John Vianney/ Jean-Baptiste-Marie Vianney
Feast Day: August 4
Patron of Confessors and Priests

St. Josemaria Escriva
Feast Day: June 26
Patron of Diabetes

St. Joseph the Worker
Feast Day: March 19
Patron of Carpenters and Fathers

St. Joseph of Arimathea
Feast Day: May 17 (West); July 31 (East)
Patron of Funeral Directors

St. Joseph of Cupertino
Feast Day: September 18
Patron of Astronauts, Pilots, and the Airforce

St. Josephine Bakhita
Feast Day: February 8
Patron of Sudan

St. Joshua
Feast Day: September 1
Patron of those named Joshua

St. Juan de la Cruz/ Saint John of the Cross
Feast Day: December 14
Patron of Contemplatives
Doctor of the Church

St. Juan Diego
Feast Day: December 19
Patron of the Americas and Natives

St. Juliana of Cumae/ Juliana of Nicomedia
Feast Day: February 16
Patron of Sickness and Sickness

St. Jude Thaddeus
Feast Day: October 28
Patron of Desperate Situations and Hopeless Causes

St. Julia Billiart
Feast Day: April 18
Patron Against Poverty

St. Justin
Feast Day: June 1
Patron of Philosophers and Lectures

Patron Saints (A to E)

St. Adrian of Nicomedia
Feast Day: September 8
Patron of Epidemics, Prison Guards and Soldiers

St. Aedan of Ferns
Feast Day: January 31
Patron of Ferns and Ireland

St. Agatha
Feast Day: February 5
Patron of Nurses and Breast Cancer

St. Agnes of Rome
Feast Day: January 21
Patron of Betrothed Couples and the Girl Scouts

St. Albert the Great
Feast Day: November 14
Patron of Scientists and Medical Technicians

St. Alexander
Feast Day: October 11
Patron of Corsica

St. Alice
Feast Day: June 15
Patron of the Blind and Paralyzed

St. Aloysius Gonzaga
Feast Day: June 21
Patron of AIDS and Teenagers

St. Alphonsus
Feast Day: August 1
Patron of Confessors and Theologians

St. Ambrose
Feast Day: December 7
Patron of Beekeepers and Candlemakers

St. Amelia
Feast Day: July 10
Patron of Arm Pain and Bruises

St. Anastasia
Feast Day: December 25
Patron of Martyrs and Widows

St. Andrew Kim Taegon
Feast Day: September 20
Patron of Korean Clergy

St. Andrew the Apostle
Feast Day: November 30
Patron of Fisherman and Scotland

St. Angela Merici
Feast Day: January 27; changed to May 31 then to June 1 (General Roman Calendar, 1955-1969)
Patron of the sick, handicapped people, loss of parents

St. Ann/St. Anne
Feast Day: June 26
Patron of Housekeepers and Mothers

St. Anthony of Padua
Feast Day: June 13
Patron of Lost Articles and the Poor

St. Anthony of Egypt (Saint Anthony, Anthony the Abbot, Anthony of the Desert, Anthony the Anchorite, and Father of All Monks)
January 17
Patron of Brazil, Burgio, Sicily; epileptics; gravediggers; hermits; skin diseases

St. Apollonia
Feast Day: February 9
Patron of Dental Diseases

St. Augustine of Hippo
Feast Day: August 28
Patron of Brewers and Theologians

St. Austin
Feast Day: May 27 (May 26 in England & Wales)
Patron of England

St. Barbara
Feast Day: December 4
Patron of Architects and Sudden Death

St. Barnabas
Feast Day: June 11
Patron against Hailstorms, of Cyprus, Antioch, invoked as peacemaker

St. Bartholomew the Apostle
Feast Day: August 24
Patron of Cobblers and Nervous Diseases
St. Basil the Great
Feast Day: January 2
Patron of Hospital Administrators

St. Bede the Venerable
27 May
Patron of Lectors, Historians

St. Benedict
Feast Day: July 11
Patron of Monks and Poison Sufferers

St. Benjamin
Feast Day: March 31
Patron of those named Benjamin

St. Bernadette
Feast Day: April 16
Patron of Illness and Poverty

St. Bernard of Clairvaux
Feast Day: August 20
Patron of Beekeepers and Candle makers

St. Bernard of Montjoux
Feast Day: May 28
Patron of Skiers and Mountain Climbers

St. Blaise
Feast Day: February 3
Patron of Throat Ailments

St. Bonaventure
Feast Day: July 15
Patron of Bowel Disorders

St. Boniface
Feast Day: June 5
Patron of Tailors and Brewers

St. Brendan the Navigator
Feast Day: May 16
Patron of Sailors and Mariners

St. Bridget of Sweden
Feast Day: July 23
Patron of Widows and Sweden

St. Brigid of Ireland
Feast Day: February 1
Patron of Infants and Ireland

St. Bruno
Feast Day: October 6
Patron Against Demonic Possession

St. Camillus of Lellis
Feast Day: July 18
Patron of Hospitals and Against Gambling

St. Casimir of Poland
Feast Day: March 4
Patron of Bachelors and Poland

St. Catherine of Siena
Feast Day: April 29
Patron of Fire Prevention, people ridiculed for their piety, nurses, sexual temptation, miscarriages

St. Catherine of Alexandria
Feast Day: November 25
Patron of Theologians, Librarians, and Lawyers

St. Catherine of Bologna
Feast Day: March 9
Patron of Artists and Liberal Arts

St. Cecilia
Feast Day: November 22
Patron of Musicians and Singers

St. Charles Borromeo
Feast Day: November 4
Patron of Catechists and Seminarians

St. Christopher
Feast Day: July 25
Patron of Travelers and Motorists

St. Clare of Assisi
Feast Day: August 11
Patron of eye disease, goldsmiths, gilders, good weather, needle workers, embroiderers, Santa Clara Pueblo, telephones, television Patron of Eyes and Television

St. Clement
Feast Day: November 23
Patron of Sailors and Sick Children



St. Colette
Feast Day: March 6
Patron of Loss of Parents

St. Columbanus
Feast Day: November 23
Patron of Motorcyclists and Against Floods

St. Cornelius
Feast Day: September 16
Patron of Earache, Animals, and Epilepsy

Sts. Cosmas and Damian
Feast Day: September 10
Patron of Surgeons and Barbers

St. Daniel
Feast Day: January 3
Patron of Prisoners

St. David of Wales
Patron of Doves and Wales

St. Dennis
Feast Day: October 9
Patron against Frenzy and Headaches; possessed people; hydrophobia; rabies

St. Dominic de Guzman
Feast Day: August 8
Patron of Astronomers and the Falsely Accused

St. Dominic Savio
Feast Day: March 9
Patron of Juvenile Delinquents

St. Dorothy
Feast Day: February 6
Patron of Florists and Brides

St. Dunstan
Feast Day: May 19
Patron of blacksmiths; goldsmiths; locksmiths; silversmiths; musicians


St. Dymphna
Feast Day: May 15
Patron of mental Illness, sleepwalking, epilepsy, possessed people and runaways

St. Edith Stein/Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
Feast Day: August 9
Patron of Martyrs and Loss of Parents

St. Edmund Campion
Feast Day: December 1
Patron of Wales

St. Edward the Confessor
Feast Day: October 13
Patron of Difficult Marriages

St. Edwin
Feast Day: October 12
Patron of Homeless People

St. Elizabeth of Hungary
Feast Day: November 17
Patron of Bakers and the Homeless

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Feast Day: January 4
Patron of Loss of Parents or Children

St. Elizabeth of the Visitation
Feast Day: November 5
Patron of Pregnant Women

St. Elmo/St. Erasmus
Feast Day: June 2
Patron of Sailors, childbirth and stomach diseases

St. Eugene de Mazenod
Feast Day: May 21
Patron of Dysfunctional Families