Confirmation Saint and Religious Orders

[T_More]

Okay, a few questions here. Does your confirmation saint’s religious order have to be an order that you yourself would join as a 3rd order layperson if you choose to be part of a 3rd order? Here’s my dilemma .

I’ve been trying to discern who my confirmation saint is going to be. I’ve been drawn to several, but most notably St Bonaventure and St Louis de Monfort because of their tremendous Marian devotion. St Bonaventure is the patron saint of stomach disoders, something I myself have been afflicted with, and let’s just say that something happened recently that I can only attribute to St Bonaventure after praying to him. The problem is, the Franciscan Order’s spiritual emphasis is not something I feel particulary drawn to. If anything, I feel the Dominicans, which St Louis de Monfort was part of, or the Carmelites emphasis’ are something that suits my personality and character more. Help! This has been something that has been gnawing at me for quite some time. So many have said that your patron saint chooses you. Is this what has happened to me with St Bonaventure? If so, is it bad to follow a spiritual emphasis that was not Franciscan? Any comments would be much appreciated. Thank you!

 

[puzzleannie]

Okay, a few questions here. Does your confirmation saint’s religious order have to be an order that you yourself would join as a 3rd order layperson if you choose to be part of a 3rd order? Here’s my dilemma .

no of course not

 

[Catholic1954]

When choosing a confirmation saint name, you should be looking at the qualities and personalities of the individual saint, their religious orders (or not, not all saints are from religious orders) have nothing to do with it. St. Bonaventura sounds like a good fit for you; he has already prayed for you and you admire his Marian devotion. The Franciscans are a good order, but they are not for everyone, you don’t have to be affiliated with them to choose St. Bonaventure as your patron saint.

 

[GloriousOrder]

I chose St. Thomas Aquinas because his entire attitude and mindset mirrors mine to a tee. It’s obvious he has had a hand in my life. Regardless of this, I love the Society of Jesus and wouldn’t mind having a go at them. Just because a Dominican chose to be my patron doesn’t mean I have to become a Preacher.

 

[corsair]

I, too am a man with strong ties to the Dominicans. And my Confirmation Saint is St. Thomas Aquinas, also.

 

[Big_Feet]

You should choose a saint that you feel particularly close to. As you said, you have stomach issues, so the one saint is appealing, yet another is due to his religious order afiliation.
Take your thoughts to prayer over a number of days, and God will reveal which saint you should choose as your guide! It is called Discernment!
Good “luck”!