Somewhere between the ages of 7 and 13, Catholic children typically go through a major rite of passion known as Confirmation.
A major event within the Catholic church, confirmation is the official event where previously baptized children (many of whom were baptized as infants) make the personal commitment to be Catholic and are officially welcomed as full members of the church.
Adults who choose to become Catholic later in life go through a similar process.
At this time, it is common for people to choose a patron saint. A patron saint is a person who once lived as a human being on earth, but who is now believed to be in Heaven based on their good deeds, exemplary example, and commitment to Christ throughout their humanly life.
Catholics choose their own patron saints based on who they most admire, who they want to be like, or who they feel some type of connection with. They believe this patron saint is not only a source of inspiration, but also is able to intercede on the person’s behalf.
Recently, someone on popular social platform asked, “Who is your patron saint and why?” and the answers varied widely.
1. Saint Teresa of Calcutta
Saint Teresa of Calcutta, better known as Mother Teresa, was an Albanian-Indian nun who has inspired millions of people with her selflessness and generosity.
One person shared, “I was extremely touched by her desire to help everyone regardless of who they were.”
Another agreed: “She really is a very true example of what love for others means. She was able to see God in others. She not only knew that God was in the next, but she believed it with all her soul. This is one of the reasons why she was able to feel so much love for others, because seeing God in others removes part of our prejudices.”
Yet, since she’s a more recent saint, some people may forget that she’s even an option when choosing their patron saint.
2. Saint Jerome
While some people choose a patron saint based on the amazing life they lived, others choose (or wish they chose) a patron saint simply because they like their personality or individual quirks.
Someone chose Saint Jerome because, “He was a grumpy nerd who lived in a cave, argued with everyone he thought was dumber than him (which was everyone), taught women’s Bible studies, and had a pet lion.”
Another person chimed in saying, “Kind of regretting not choosing him because he sounds like my kind of guy.”
When choosing a patron saint, you can choose any saint for pretty much any reason that is meaningful to you!
3. Saint Mary Magdalene
While Mary Magdalene sometimes gets a questionable reputation, there’s no doubt she was dearly loved by God and holds a beautiful transformation story many can draw inspiration from.
Not everyone in the Bible was perfect (in fact most weren’t!) but they found ways to love and serve God despite their sin and brokenness and we can do the same today.
A person shared, “I come from a dark past. I’m an atheist converted to Catholic. And my life has been better since I started following Christ.”
Someone else said, “As a woman who has had a less than conventional past, life has been so beautiful since becoming Catholic. Jesus accepts and loves me regardless of my past just as He did her.”
4. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
While Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is fairly well-known within Catholic circles, if you didn’t grow up in the Catholic church, you may not have heard of her before. Thankfully, more than one commenter shared how they chose her due to her positive influence on education.
One person chose Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton because, “She became Catholic later in life (much like me). She was a teacher, and the first American born woman to be canonized.”
Another person stated, “I chose her because of her advances in Catholic education in the U.S. She’s also from New York City so having her as my patron saint feels like home.”
5. Saint Augustine
While Saint Augustine likely lived a life very different than the lives we live now, many people still found him relatable and inspirational today.
One person shared, “The largest obstacle to my conversion was sins of the flesh, after living an atheist and hedonistic life – and really the only grave sins I still struggle with. I need his example for hope.”
Another person felt connected to Saint Augustine, saying, “He lived a pretty sinful life until finding God. Similar to me until I started my conversion from agnosticism to Catholicism.”
6. Saint Joan of Arc
Saint Joan of Arc is best known as a former peasant girl who led the French army to victory during the Hundred Years’ War. While she was later burned to death as a heretic, her brave actions have inspired many for hundreds of years.
Someone shared, “I have always admired her wisdom despite her youth, sheer willpower and steadfast belief against all odds. She was a force of nature, and still kept true to her love to Him and her people.”
Another person said, “I want to be that level brave and trusting when it comes to my faith.”
7. Saint Jude
Many people are familiar with St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, a well-known children’s hospital that does extensive cancer research and provides lifesaving care to families at no cost. However, what you may not know is that the hospital is named after St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of hopeless causes.
One person shared, “Patron saint of dumpster fires. I need that kind of intercession in my life right now. I wear a medal blessed by our Bishop, and I never take it off.”
Another shared a personal story saying, “When I was little, I had my tonsils removed. After surgery my throat continued to bleed. The doctor told my mother if I didn’t stop bleeding by midnight, I would have to go into emergency surgery. So my mother prayed, and prayed to Saint Jude. Then just before midnight I stopped bleeding. My mother always told me that Saint Jude was my patron saint, so he is.”
8. Saint Therese of Lisieux
Another lesser known saint, Saint Therese of Lisieux, also known as The Little Flower, was a Carmelite nun who later became the patron saint of missions and of florists.
One person chose this saint because, “She made me start catechumenate, cured my dad, and gave me so much. I couldn’t choose anybody else.”
Another person stated, “The Little Flower… she has answered so many of my prayers and has truly showered my life with roses…literally and figuratively…I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that she hears me and intercedes for me.”
9. Saint Monica
Known as the patron saint of mothers, St. Monica is best known for how her faithful prayers shaped her son, Saint Augustine.
Many believe that it is due to her many prayers that Saint Augustine turned from a wayward, difficult son who wasn’t interested in God to become a great and well-known man of God.
One person said, “I love how her faith inspired those around her to convert, even if it took years or decades. Her unwavering intercession for her son’s conversion brought about one of the greatest theologians. I hope to do even a fraction of that for my loved ones as well.”
10. King Saint Louis IX
As both a king and a Saint, Louis IX of France (also known as Saint Louis), is best known in Catholic circles for his role in the crusades in the 1200s. He chose to obey God first and remain devoted to his people, and he later went on to found hospitals and care for the sick.
One person stated, “He’s the model Medieval Christian Monarch and to me, one of the greatest examples of Christian masculinity. Put simply, he’s a man I very much want to be like.”
Another person agreed saying, “Saint Louis IX all the way!”
11. Saint Francis of Assisi
The founder of the Franciscan orders of the Friars Minor, Saint Francis was man who was committed to left his family’s riches and chose a life of poverty so he could better serve God and people. He was intent of following the life of Christ in all that he did.
One person commented, “I admire how he gave up everything he had in order to follow Jesus and his joy of doing it.”
Another person shared, “The story of St. Francis is so inspiring.”
12. Saint Patrick
Saint Patrick’s Day isn’t merely a day to drink and wear green. Rather, it’s a holiday (holy day) meant to remember Saint Patrick, a real person who was best known for bringing Christianity to Ireland (and freeing Ireland from snakes).
One person chose Saint Patrick because he, “Evangelized his captors in Ireland after being a slave. He didn’t seek out revenge, but he converted the island to Christ.”
Another person responded, “I have always admired his bravery in hard times and his love for spreading the gospel.”
13. Saint Dymphna
Saint Dymphna may not be well known, but she has been a source of inspiration to more than one person who has struggled with mental illness throughout their lifetime.
One person said, “She’s the patron saint for mental illnesses and I’ve struggled with anxiety and other things since I was young.”
Another person agreed with the choice of Saint Dymphna, saying, “I am also very fond of Saint Dymphna. I am bipolar with associated anxiety disorder and OCD.”
14. Saint Cecelia
When it comes to choosing a patron saint, you certainly have options!
Another lesser known Saint, Saint Cecelia is known as the patron of musicians, composers, instrument makers, and poets, making her the perfect choice for those who are (or wish to be) musical.
One person chose Saint Cecelia, stating, “Because I’m a musician and because her bravery and love of Christ is so inspiring.”
Another person said, “For me, my patron saint is Cecelia because she’s the patron of musicians and music plays a big role in my life though I can’t sing worth anything. Cecelia is also the patron of my church.”
15. Saint Charbel
Despite his huge influence, Saint Charbel (also known as St. Charbel Makhlouf) is another Saint who isn’t well known. A Catholic priest, monk, and hermit, he dedicated his life to God and later became known for performing miracles both before and after his death.
One person shared, “My patron saint is Saint Charbel because I have chronic medical conditions and I pray to him for healings. I also admire his holiness.”
Someone else chose Saint Charbel for a significant personal reason stating, “Saint Charbel, because my parents decided to name me after him.”
16. Saint Thomas, the Apostle
Saint Thomas, often known as Doubting Thomas from the Bible, may not be most people’s first pick for inspiring Saints. However, many people shared how they could relate to his doubt and need for certainty.
They take inspiration from the fact that if he could overcome his doubt, they can too.
One person explained their choice by saying, “Sometimes it’s hard to believe. Sometimes it’s hard to do what God needs me to do. Sometimes I just need a little bit of a push. It was that way for him too, but he had his push and was all in. ‘Let us go and die with Him.'”
Another person said, “My dad went by Thomas and I really connected with his story – I am a convert from atheism/agnosticism.”
17. Saint Genesius
Known as the “patron saint of actors, clowns, comedians, converts, dancers, musicians, printers, epileptics and those who have been tortured,” Saint Genesius was a man who underwent a major religious transformation, much like Paul’s.
One person answered, “St. Genesius, Patron saint of actors and martyrs. It’s said he used to make fun of Christians in plays for the Roman emperor, but eventually he realized what he was doing and actually had an experience during a play that made him want to convert. When he refused to give up Christianity, Diocletian had him executed. As for me, I work in entertainment so he was a natural choice for me.”
Another person said, “One of the most bizarrely fascinating hagiographies from the 4th Century. I ask for his intercession quite often. Pray for us jokers, Saint Genesius.”
18. Saint Joseph
Despite being the father of Jesus himself, very little is known about Saint Joseph. In fact, many believe he may have died at an early age, leaving Jesus without an early father. This hasn’t stopped some from choosing Saint Joseph as their patron saint, however.
One person wrote, “I have grown up without a father, and so him stepping up to be the father of Jesus instead of abandoning Him is very inspiring and almost makes him feel like the father that I haven’t had in so long.”
Another person said, “I feel like if it wasn’t for him and Our Lady, my faith wouldn’t be as strong as it is now.”
19. Saint George
While his legacy hasn’t been proven, Saint George is known as a Roman who was tortured and decapitated, becoming an inspiring example of bravery and selflessness. Though a less common choice for a patron saint, many people are still inspired by his bravery today.
One person explained their choice by saying, “Patron saint of England, a brave young man who endured torture for the word of the Lord. Also allegedly killed a dragon which is bada– if you ask me.”
Someone else agreed and stated, “A protector and a defender.”
20. Saint Mary
Catholic church is anything but forgotten in the Catholic church. However, it’s not uncommon for people to overlook her when choosing a patron saint for confirmation. Those who choose Saint Mary typically do so because they are inspired by her humble “yes” to God and brave motherhood, despite seeing the agony her son would endure.
One person said, “I am a mother of four and I call on her every day for patience and she’s always there and taking time out to pray to her usually takes the heat out of a given moment!”
Another person stated, “She led me to her Son.”
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Brittany Ann is an ECPA bestselling author and founder of Equipping Godly Women and Monetize My Ministry. She’s also a Christian speaker, podcaster, and conference host. Her work has been featured on numerous TV, radio, and online ministries, including CBN, MSN, Christianity Today, Evangelical Alliance, Patheos, Crosswalk, and more.
