Choosing a Saint Name

[stina44]

Hello Everyone!

I hope its ok that I post this question here but I have a question. I am not catholic but am seriously considering joining the faith. I read up on the steps that I would need to take and it seems at some point I am to choose a saint name. What will it mean when I choose a saint? I was told women pick a female saint. I am thinking this is because at some point they are known by this name in the church? I like the idea but am just curious of the exact meaning and emotion behind this tradition. Thank you so much and I’m sorry if I put this in the wrong place!

Sincerely

Christina

 

[StevieD]

As far as I am aware, a baby must be baptized using a saint’s name (although this does not need to be the first name) but the name can be the feminized version of a male saint such as Martina. Adults are required to choose a patron saint at confirmation but this does not become part of your name and is never used as your own name (unless you decided to adopt it). You may be confusing this with the fact that some members of orders of religious and/or priests adopt a new saint’s name when they are professed (I believe the Dominicans do so).

 

[KarenElissa]

I read up on the steps that I would need to take and it seems at some point I am to choose a saint name. What will it mean when I choose a saint? I was told women pick a female saint. I am thinking this is because at some point they are known by this name in the church? I like the idea but am just curious of the exact meaning and emotion behind this tradition.

What it sounds like you are referring to is the practice of choosing a Saints name at one’s confirmation. The idea behind a confirmation Saint is someone you look up to and want to be like. There really isn’t any specific way to choose one, sometimes it is someone with common interests, sometimes someone who has characteristics you look up to, sometimes someone who’s teachings have helped you, sometimes the saint just kind of “chooses” you.

As for male/female names, it is most common to choose someone of your own gender, but you don’t have to. You can use a female version of a male name or just use the male name.

Also, something to be aware of, this is not a universal tradition. In some areas it is almost expected, in some it is an option, and in others, something that never comes up.

 

[KarenElissa]

As far as I am aware, a baby must be baptized using a saint’s name (although this does not need to be the first name)

This is not true. “Can. 855 Parents, sponsors, and the pastor are to take care that a name foreign to Christian sensibility is not given.” So using Lucifer is out, but a neutral name, Apple, is ok. Including a Saints name is, however, is highly encouraged.

Adults are required to choose a patron saint at confirmation but this does not become part of your name and is never used as your own name (unless you decided to adopt it).

One change here, choosing a patron saint is common in some areas, but is not at all required. It some places it is tradition, but in others it isn’t.

 

[stina44]

Thank you so much for clearing that up you guys. I am in central Texas and my boyfriend talked to me about confirmation and it seems its expected that you choose a Saint here. And Karen you were right I was talking about choosing a Saint at Confirmation. Thank you again ya’ll for taking the time to answer me!

 

[Eugenius]

Some of the priests on EWTN have names like Fr. Joseph Mary.

If you feel lost, look up which saint feast days coincide with your birthday, confirmation, baptism, etc. You might find a connection that way. My middle name is Eugene, which I have never liked. Then I learned that I had actually been baptized on the Feast Day of St. Eugenius, so now I feel a personal connection there.

 

[stina44]

That makes a lot of sense I think I’ll do that. Thank you!