Baptismal Names?

[Brian_Stacy]

I read somewhere that when one becomes a Catholic they choose a name after their Patron Saint.

A few questions…

1 - What is the purpose of this?

2 - Is there a limit to the name you choose?

3 - Why do some of the Saints have “of the Cross” or something of that matter in their name, i.e. St. John of the Cross?

4 - Would a Christian converting to Catholicism choose a name as well?

Thanks for your help!

 

[water]

Hi Brian,

I have read your other posts and known that you are coming Home! How wonderful that is and thanks be to God.

I got this part on the web:

The Catechism of the Catholic Church still encourages this:

The sacrament of Baptism is conferred "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." In Baptism, the Lord's name sanctifies man, and the Christian receives his name in the Church. This can be the name of a saint, that is, of a disciple who has lived a life of exemplary fidelity to the Lord. The patron saint provides a model of charity; we are assured of his intercession. The "baptismal name" can also express a Christian mystery or Christian virtue. "Parents, sponsors, and the pastor are to see that a name is not given which is foreign to Christian sentiment." (no. 2156)

Please read the rest of the useful information:
catholicculture.org/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=207

When you are confirmed, you will choose a Patron Saint as well.

I don’t know if you have a limit names, but I think you can have more than one.

Some saints have some parts to their names: either the location where they lived or something to do with their devotion.
God bless you on your faith journey!

 

[SarahR]

And if the person becoming catholic does not have a saint name, they can always become the FIRST St. So-and-so

 

[Hlafdige]

Some religious orders, notably the Carmelites, dedicate themselves to a particular mystery of the Faith by including that mystery in the name they take when they join the order. Examples: St. John of the Cross, St. Therese of the Holy Face and the Child Jesus.

 

[DoxRox]

If you already have a Christian name (i.e. are already named after a particular saint), be sure to look into their life.

In the Eastern Churches, your baptismal name is what you are called by when you are prayed for during the liturgy or during the reception of Holy Communion.

 

[Brian_Stacy]

I feel a connection and devotion to two particular saints.

St. Jude Thaddeus and St. Michael the Archangel.

So since I’m allowed to choose, I will probably choose Jude Michael.

Since I will be confirmed (I am already a baptized Christian under the Pentecostal faith) I don’t know the procedure for the confirmation and when I will give my name.

Thanks!