Patron saints

[stphilipneri]

1. why do we have them?
2. how can we get one?
3. how do we choose one?
4. can we have more than one?
5. are they better/stronger than the other non patron saints?

 

[Hatikvah]

1. why do we have them?

Oftentimes, saints are patrons of places, crafts, hobbies, activities, groups, and so on because they are related to those on some way. St. Peter is the saint of fishermen because he was one. St. Thomas Aquinas is the saint of philosophers and theologians (along with others) because he was both.

They would be familiar, usually, with something they are asked for intercessions or help with, so it strikes close to home. The new mayor of a town may want that town’s patron saint to help them manage it, for example. They may want to help you more, or pray more fervently (remember, they’re persons, too).

You can find an alphabetical list here.

1. how can we get one?

Saints can find us just as we can find them. You may feel very close to a particular saint, or they may have shared your occupation or hobby in life, you may live in their hometown, or they may have helped you out with something. There is not like a necessary formal procedure.

Sometimes, we have christianized names or biblical names that can have a saint easily found for them. Obviously, if your name is James or John, there’s a multitude of those to choose from. Here are some Catholic sites’ articles on how to choose a patron saint:

catholiccompany.com/getfed/how-to-choose-a-patron-saint/

catholicmom.com/2015/10/21/finding-your-patron-saint-or-being-found/

One article there suggests:

But as in all things, we allow the Holy Spirit to work more fully when we cooperate with God’s grace. To do this, we must keep an open mind and heart, and prayerfully listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

1. how do we choose one?

(See #2, above.)

1. can we have more than one?

Of course! Can you have more than one friend? Yes, you certainly can. Saints are persons, too, they simply happen to be in Heaven already and much closer to God with the Beatific Vision.

1. are they better/stronger than the other non patron saints?

Not necessarily. I don’t like to think that saints can be “stronger” than one another. They are not like pagan gods where Zeus might be more powerful than Ares who is more powerful than Helios and so on and on… it is based on God’s will for their assistance or intercession’s success.

Saints are subject to God just as we are. We simply ask them for favors: whether that is for prayer, or for guidance, for finding something (thanks, St. Anthony) or anything else.

Hope this helps. God bless!