Patron Saints: W
W
Showing 1 - 52 of 52
Patronage
Saint
What is a patron saint?
Patron saints are chosen as special protectors or guardians over areas of life. These areas can include occupations, illnesses, churches, countries, causes -- anything that is important to us. The earliest records show that people and churches were named after apostles and martyrs as early as the fourth century.
Recently, the popes have named patron saints but patrons can be chosen by other individuals or groups as well. Patron saints are often chosen today because an interest, talent, or event in their lives overlaps with the special area. Angels can also be named as patron saints. A patron saint can help us when we follow the example of that saint's life and when we ask for that saint's intercessory prayers to God.
For example, Francis of Assisi loved nature and so he is patron of ecologists. Francis de Sales was a writer and so he is patron of journalists and writers. Clare of Assisi was named patron of television because one Christmas when she was too ill to leave her bed she saw and heard Christmas Mass -- even though it was taking place miles away.
More Saints
Saint Feast Days by Month
Saint of the Day
St. Emily de Vialar
St. Emily de Vialar, Virgin, Foundress of the Sisters of St. Joseph "of the Apparition" Anne Marguerite Adelaide Emily de Vialar was the eldest child and only daughter of Baron James ... continue reading
More Saint of the DayFemale Saints
St. Dymphna
Dymphna was born in Ireland sometime in the seventh century to a pagan father and devout Christian mother. When she was fourteen, she consecrated herself to Christ and took a vow of chastity. Soon afterward, her mother died and her father - who had loved his wife ... continue reading
More Female SaintsMore Female Saints
Angels
St. Michael the Archangel
Saint Michael the Archangel isn't a saint, but rather he is an angel, and the leader of all angels and of the army of God. This is what the title "Archangel" means, that he is above all the others in rank. St. Michael has four main responsibilities or offices, as we ... continue reading
St. Gabriel, the Archangel
St. Gabriel is an angel who serves as a messenger for God to certain people. He is one of the three archangels. Gabriel is mentioned in both the Old and the New Testaments of the Bible. First, in the Old Testament, Gabriel appears to the prophet Daniel to explain his ... continue reading
Saints Fun Facts
St. Hilary
Pope from 461-468 and guardian of Church unity. He was born in Sardinia, Italy, and was a papal legate to the Robber Council of Ephesus in 449, barely escaping with his life from this affair. Hilary was used by Pope St. Leo I the Great on many assignments. When Leo ... continue reading
Father Hubert Shiffer
Father Hubert Schiffer, (1915 - March 27, 1982) was one of eight German Jesuits who survived the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. He was only eight blocks away from ground zero when the explosion occurred. Some Catholics believe the survival of the priests to have been a ... continue reading
More Saints
Christian Saints & Heroes
The moment when Bl. Oscar Romero met Bl. Pope Paul VI
By CNA/EWTN News
In June 1978 the Archbishop of San Salvador, Oscar Romero, went to the Vatican to meet with the Bishop of Rome, Paul VI. At that meeting, the Pope encouraged his fellow bishop to help the Salvadoran people "on the basis of a great love." Vatican City (CNA/EWTN News) - ... continue reading
More Christian Saints & HeroesMore Christian Saints & Heroes
Latest
by Catholic Online
- Copy of 1493 Christopher Columbus letter returned to Vatican
- Daily Reading for Tuesday, June 19th, 2018 HD Video
- St. Gregory Barbarigo: Saint of the Day for Monday, June 18, 2018
- Deacon Keith Fournier: What I Will Do on Fathers Day
- Daily Reading for Monday, June 18th, 2018 HD Video
- In Imitation of St. Joseph, Model of Fathers of Families
- Daily Readings for Monday, June 18, 2018
Latest Videos
on YouTube
Daily Readings
Daily Reading for Sunday June 17, 2018
Reading 1, Ezekiel 17:22-24
Psalm, Psalms 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16
Gospel, Mark 4:26-34
Reading 2, Second Corinthians 5:6-10
Saint of the Day
St. Emily de Vialar
June 17: St. Emily de Vialar, Virgin, Foundress of the ... Read More
Information
Learn about Catholic world
Catholic Online
Inform - Inspire - Ignite
Catholic Online Saints
Your saints explained
Catholic Online Prayers
Prayers for every need
Catholic Online Bible
Complete bible online
Catholic Online News
Your news Catholic eye
Daily Reading
Today's bible reading
Lent / Easter
Death & resurrection of Jesus
Advent / Christmas
Birth of Jesus
Rest of Catholic Online
All Catholic world we offer
Services
Products and services we offer
Catholic Online Shopping
Catholic medals, gifts & books
The California Network
Inspiring streaming service
Advertise on Catholic Online
Your ads on catholic.org
Catholic Online Email
Email with Catholic feel
Catholic Online Singles
Safe, secure Catholic dating
The California Studios
World-class post production service
Education
Learn the Catholic way
Catholic Online School
Free Catholic education for all
Student Classes
K-12 & Adult Education Classes
School Teachers
Teacher lesson plans & resources
Support Free Education
Tax deductible support Free education
Socials
Connect with us online
Catholic Online on Facebook
Catholic social network
Catholic Online on Twitter
Catholic Tweets
Catholic Online on YouTube
Enjoy our videos
Catholic Online on Instagram
Shared Catholic moments
Catholic Online on Pinterest
Catholic ideas style inspiration
