St. James the Greater, patron of pilgrims and pilgrimages. We are all pilgrims of sorts because we’re all journeying towards God. I didn’t go looking for St. James—he came after me, sending countless boys then men named James my way to keep me heading in the right direction on the path towards the Lord. Every time I was in spiritual difficulty, another James showed up to assist/accompany/guide/nag me. It’s absolutely uncanny. I have three in my life right now.
St. Guy of Anderlecht, patron of sacristans. I am probably the last person on earth who should be a sacristan, yet I am one. I came to have this responsibility because a holy priest for whom I have the utmost respect and admiration (despite the fact that he is a difficult man and very demanding boss) somehow came to have confidence in me and thus granted me the appointment. In executing my duties, I could use all the help I can get.
St. Germaine Cousin, patron of the abandoned, the abused, the disabled, the ill, the impoverished, the orphaned and the unattractive, who led a short life (she died aged 22) full of suffering but rather than be defeated by it learned to be humble and patient. As I tend to be neither of those things in the face of adversity, she is my role model for increasing my piety and holiness. My suffering is petty compared to what she went through, and yet I whine, easily take offense, sulk, lash out and/or give up as if I were the most oppressed person who ever lived. I pray her intercession would help me to be a better person.
St. Margaret of Cortona and St. Augustine, proof that no matter how far off the correct path we may wander, it is never to late to do the right thing.