Personal Patron Saints

This is a special week for me.  I got to observe the feast day of my patron saint, St. Elizabeth of Hungary on Sunday.  Another of my favorite saints, St Cecilia, is recognized tomorrow.  In certain Catholic countries in Europe, people celebrate their “Name’s Day” on the memorial of the Saint for whom they are named or whose name they chose at Confirmation.  My grandmother kept this tradition alive for us as we grew up, and even if we don’t make a big deal of it, it is still good to recognize our Name’s Days when they occur.

How do you go about choosing a Saint for yourself or choosing one for your child at Baptism?  In my family’s case, our patron Saints were chosen to honor our heritage.  Mine is St. Elizabeth of Hungary, and my brother’s is St. Laszlo, both prominent in Hungarian Catholic culture.  In other cases, you could look at the Saints whose memorials are close to your birthday.  There are usually multiple Saints recognized each day, unless it happens to be a particular special feast day of the Church.  Check out the Saint of the Day section in the Laudate app for examples.

If you are older, you might choose a Saint who is already a patron Saint of an activity or profession you enjoy.  I like singing, so St. Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians is particularly easy for me to relate to.  Keep in mind, the Saints are meant to be examples to us of how to conduct ourselves in this life.  Is there a Saint whose life speaks to you in some way?  Is there a Saint who has a devotion related to them, which you admire?  Consider all these when choosing a personal patron Saint.

And what do you do once you have chosen your patron Saint or Saints?  (Yes, you can have more than one!)  Ask for that Saint’s intercession for you in times when you feel like you need a little extra help.  Our canonized Saints are those we know are in heaven.  Who better to ask for help?

Do you have a patron Saint?  Even if you don’t have an “official” patron, try to find one to adopt as your patron.  Ask them for assistance and guidance.  They will not lead you astray.