Saint name?

[icamay]

I still have a year to choose my saint name, and I have been told that it’s OK for people to have a patron saint of the opposite gender. I am curious on how one chooses a saint name?

Right now, I feel very drawn to St. Francis of Assissi, partly because I have had quite a wild youth myself, and partly because I am very drawn to animal rescue & wildlife preservation. I am also fascinated for other reasons by the life of St. Faustina, though I don’t feel the same draw to her as a patron saint. Would it be appropriate, being woman, to choose a name along the lines of Maria Francis?

Just trying to grasp how this works, thanks!

 

[Apryl]

Congratulations as you prepare for the process of coming into fullness of the Church!

Congratulations on having a year, and taking advantage of it, to give your Saint name some real thought.

What you posted makes a lot of sense. Sure, if you are moved (personally) by the history and life of St. Francis of Assissi, that would make him a good patron for you.

If you think that St. Faustina means something to you, likewise.

The point of using a Saint’s name is to have something to think about… you reflect upon the example that they lived and how they made their belief and worship in Christ important. Each time you hear that name, or are asked ‘Who was the patron saint you chose, and why’, those are moments you get to give it some thought, pray and it can help you to have greater relationship with God.

Some people choose a Saint’s name just because they like the the name, or it 's a name that’s popular, or it’s simliar to their given name. Personally, I think that this is a time when we have an opportunity to be aware of who has influenced us, the challenges we are faced with, the ways we can learn and grow.

Look at some of those who are saints now and how they got that name. Mother Theresa wasn’t born ‘Theresa’. St. John Mary Vianny wasn’t a woman, but he had ‘Mary’ as one of his names.

Some people even use the names of non-Canonized saints (venerated, beatified, or just examples of Christian life have been chosen). This is one of those questions that you can talk with your priest, the DRE, or the Catechists about. Use this time to help yourself and to look at where you want to go, and why… but remember that you have others around you to help you along the way.

 

[smichhertz]

I think the best thing to do is pick a couple of saints and then read a good biographical book on each one, and see which one you are the most drawn to.

Also spend time in prayer and ask for their intercession often.

 

[anp1215]

I’m coming into the Church in 2 days with St. Francis as my patron and I’m female!

 

[icamay]

I think the best thing to do is pick a couple of saints and then read a good biographical book on each one, and see which one you are the most drawn to.

Also spend time in prayer and ask for their intercession often.

Just a general prayer asking for the intercession of my patron saint? I have been told that they find me, but I can be pretty oblivious, so hopefully my saint has a loud voice!!