Patron saints

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I was just curious as to who a person’s “official” patron saint is or who we can call officially our patron saint.
For example, if my first name is Anthony and my confirmation name is Paul I have two saints that are patrons.
However, if perhaps I do not have very fervent devotion to either of them and in later years develop a great devotion to another saint, perhaps even a female such as St. Teresa, who then do I officially call my patron saint when people ask me that question? Is it then Anthony, Paul, of Teresa? Even though I have all as patrons, is the patron saint the one you are most devoted to, or just the one you are named after?
I never wondered this until I realized people who had a saints name, would mention other saints as their “patron”.

Thanks!

JMJ
 
I work two part-time jobs at the moment, so I’d say I have two bosses if I were asked. The fact that I work more at one place than the other doesn’t make that employer somehow more my boss - a boss is anyone you work for.

Same with patron saints. I call each and every saint who is an influence in my life a patron - and I have plenty, including but not limited to St Joseph, St Francis of Assisi, St Joseph of Cupertino, St Jude, St Thomas More, and St Helen who is my confirmation saint.
 
I’m not sure there’s an ‘official’ definition of what qualifies as a patron saint. It seems in your case you’d like to think of ‘patron’ as being synonomous with ‘favorite’ and I don’t see anything wrong with that. If you like to think of St. Teresa as your patron saint, go ahead! I’m sure she won’t mind. 🙂

I grew up associating the word ‘patron’ with the saint you were named after. I think even if you don’t have a particular devotion to your name saint, you are still special to them because you share the same name. Hence, I always considered my patron saint to be St. Anne because I was named Anita. But I do know that I pray to other saints a lot more than I pray to her. Not on purpose, it just happens!

Bottom line, I don’t think this is a big deal. If you want to call your favorite saints your patrons, go right ahead. I’m sure it’s perfectly fine.

🙂

Nita
 
CrypticWritings said:
I was just curious as to who a person’s “official” patron saint is or who we can call officially our patron saint.
For example, if my first name is Anthony and my confirmation name is Paul I have two saints that are patrons.
However, if perhaps I do not have very fervent devotion to either of them and in later years develop a great devotion to another saint, perhaps even a female such as St. Teresa, who then do I officially call my patron saint when people ask me that question? Is it then Anthony, Paul, of Teresa? Even though I have all as patrons, is the patron saint the one you are most devoted to, or just the one you are named after?
I never wondered this until I realized people who had a saints name, would mention other saints as their “patron”.
Thanks!

JMJ
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Well, the good news is that the Saints are free from the sin of Envy, so won’t get into a snit if you do not pick them:D

Let’s see. I was born 4 October 1944, so I can, and do, name St. Francis as my birth Saint.

When I pray, I have asked St. Philomena to be on my right side, joining her prayers to mine.

When I pray, I have asked Mary Magdalene, patron saint of repentent sinners, to be on my left side, joining her prayers to mine.

I have asked Saint Montfort to be behind me when I pray, and to help put my rosary around my neck. Montfort once bragged “let me place the rosary around the neck of a sinner, and he shall not excape me.”

To the right of Montfort, I have asked Saint Francis to stand. To the left of Montfort I have asked the Venerable Matt Talbot, reformed alcoholic whose help I ask for, to stand.

Hovering above us, left to right, I ask for assisstence from Archangel Gabriel, my Guardian Angel, and Archangel Michael.

Eight Holy Helpers, not too many:thumbsup:
 
The patron saint of persons named Leopard is Pope St. Leo the Great, who reigned 440-461. He is perhaps best known for having turned back Attila the Hun from attacking Rome.
 
A patron supports someone. We can have many, many patron saints. I do not believe they are jealous of one another.
 
Hi, I am new here. Having a difficult time understanding how these forums work. Nonetheless, my particular question here is regarding our patron saint(s). I converted some years ago (30+). I came to butt heads with a very old priest who was not very nice. After that I strayed from practicing my religion. I am back, and more happy than ever, however, I would like to know If I have a patron saint I can pray to and lean on for help. I don’t recall having a patron saint when I converted, nor do I remember the subject coming up during my lessons…I would like to know how I go about this…is there a certain protocol I must follow?
 
Carol_522 said:
Hi, I am new here. Having a difficult time understanding how these forums work. Nonetheless, my particular question here is regarding our patron saint(s). I converted some years ago (30+). I came to butt heads with a very old priest who was not very nice. After that I strayed from practicing my religion. I am back, and more happy than ever, however, I would like to know If I have a patron saint I can pray to and lean on for help. I don’t recall having a patron saint when I converted, nor do I remember the subject coming up during my lessons…I would like to know how I go about this…is there a certain protocol I must follow?
Click to expand...
No protocol necessay. You can call on any saint you want to develop a devotion to.

I was confirmed at age 4 and I don’t even know if I was given another name or something… I don’t think its a practice in my part of the world.

I have developed devotions to other saints like St. Josemaria Escriva, St. Therese of the Child Jesus, and St. Anne, the mother of Our Lady since my other given name is Anne, St. Joan of Arc since that’s my nickname at home. 🙂
 
Patron saints are free for you to choose. The church has assigned patron saints for a myriad of things such as various occupations etc etc. Countries have patron saints too.
Check out this website for recommendations for various patron saints. Have as many as you liike. There are thousands to choose from. 👍
catholic-forum.com/saints/patron00.htm
 
I use my middle name and my Confirmation name… for this forum. But, I consider all three of my names… as special “patrons”. Especially, Our Lady… for whom, I was named at Baptism. I feel very unworthy to bear her name… and yet, so grateful to God and my parents for the priviledge. 🙂
 
Mine is Saint Sebastian. I hear he is pretty popular in Rome…😃
 
By Googling “patron saint” you will find many good links, which will indicate the focus of the particular index or more general information. As you look at the many saints, see if one or more speaks to you at this time. Some simply pray to Jesus or pray with Mary and find that sufficient.
 
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