Want a patron saint, but don't have one...how do I choose?

[westcoast]

If I don’t have a patron saint, how do I go about “choosing” one. Or can I?

 

[pippin]

You can start with your name saint if you have one. If you are working, there is a patron saint for your job. You can also choose a patron saint based on hobbies or interests. There are names of saints on several catholic web sites.

 

[Andruschak]

If I don’t have a patron saint, how do I go about “choosing” one. Or can I?

Well, in my case, I was born 4 October 1944, and even as a Protestant I knew that was the Feast Day of St. Francis. But age 62 I was confirmed in the Catholic Church, and asked St Philomena and St Mary Magdelene to also be my patron saints, praying with me on my right and left side.

 

[LilyM]

Here is an excellent place to look for patron saints. You might also want to look for patrons connected to your city or country.

(Hint: the saint your nearest Cathedral is named after will be one of the patrons of your diocese, and the saint your church is named after will be the patron of your parish!)

 

[Miserissima]

You can start with your name saint if you have one. If you are working, there is a patron saint for your job. You can also choose a patron saint based on hobbies or interests. There are names of saints on several catholic web sites.

Great advice pippin! Or, you could find a quality you have to work on, and look for a patron saint who was very strong against it. For example, someone who has difficulty with scandal or gossip would choose St. John Nepomunce.

Or choose a saint who has overcome – or employed well – a temptation you struggle with. I struggle with a sharp tongue, so I chose St. Teresa of Avila. I don’t think I want to necessarity overcome having a sharp tongue, because I think that’s how God made me. I want to use my quick wit at the appropriate times to further God’s plan, like St. Teresa used her similar gift.