Because of his love for animals, St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of pets. The highly intelligent St. Catherine of Sienna has special watch over scholars. On the Feast of St. Blaise, we invoke that saint’s intercession against diseases of the throat since he once saved the life of a boy choking on a fishbone.
These saints’ “fields of expertise” are well-known, but there are also some unusual — even downright weird — patronages among our heavenly friends.
Here are seven saints you should know about.
St. Friard, Patron of People Who Fear Wasps
If you suffer from spheksophobia (fear of wasps and wasp stings), then St. Friard is your guy. The story goes that some men were mocking him. A nearby swarm of wasps had enough of the insults, so they pursued the tormentors. Being a holy man, St. Friard prayed for the fleeing men and the swarm left them alone.
St. Magnus of Fussen, Patron Against Caterpillars
This early Medieval German saint also protects people from field insects, mice and snake bites. That’s a lot to handle, which is probably why he left the wasps to St. Friard.
St. Denis, Patron of Headaches
When severe headaches hit, pray to St. Denis, a third-century bishop who was beheaded. Though his murderers thought they had finished him off, his severed head had the last word as it continued to preach the love of Christ.
St. Eligius, Patron of Mechanics
Next time you drop your car off for repair, say a prayer to St. Eligius. He may not have lived to the advent of cars, but he was a talented metalsmith and master of the mint under King Clotaire II of Paris. Those are some pretty strong credentials.
St. Erasmus of Formia, Patron of Stomach Ailments
Your stomach may hurt, but at least you still have it inside you. Enemies of St. Erasmus (also known as St. Elmo) cut his stomach open and removed his intestines. Since he experienced such intense pain, he is willing to pray for the cure of your aching belly.
St. Barbara, Patron of Firework Manufacturers
St. Barbara’s father oversaw her brutal murder, and then he was struck by lightning on his way home. St. Barbara is also the patron of makers of pretty much everything that goes “boom!” — such as artillery crew members and miners. If loud noises make you jump, she will assist.
St. Drogo, Patron of Unattractive People
We’re all wonderfully made children of God. But if there’s a day when you feel like you’re not looking your best, whisper a prayer to St. Drogo. People reportedly were shocked when they saw his appearance and stayed away from him, so you don’t have it as bad as he did.
Whatever you’re doing in life, there’s likely a patron saint ready to pray for you.
These saints’ “fields of expertise” are well-known, but there are also some unusual — even downright weird — patronages among our heavenly friends.
Here are seven saints you should know about.
St. Friard, Patron of People Who Fear Wasps
If you suffer from spheksophobia (fear of wasps and wasp stings), then St. Friard is your guy. The story goes that some men were mocking him. A nearby swarm of wasps had enough of the insults, so they pursued the tormentors. Being a holy man, St. Friard prayed for the fleeing men and the swarm left them alone.
St. Magnus of Fussen, Patron Against Caterpillars
This early Medieval German saint also protects people from field insects, mice and snake bites. That’s a lot to handle, which is probably why he left the wasps to St. Friard.
St. Denis, Patron of Headaches
When severe headaches hit, pray to St. Denis, a third-century bishop who was beheaded. Though his murderers thought they had finished him off, his severed head had the last word as it continued to preach the love of Christ.
St. Eligius, Patron of Mechanics
Next time you drop your car off for repair, say a prayer to St. Eligius. He may not have lived to the advent of cars, but he was a talented metalsmith and master of the mint under King Clotaire II of Paris. Those are some pretty strong credentials.
St. Erasmus of Formia, Patron of Stomach Ailments
Your stomach may hurt, but at least you still have it inside you. Enemies of St. Erasmus (also known as St. Elmo) cut his stomach open and removed his intestines. Since he experienced such intense pain, he is willing to pray for the cure of your aching belly.
St. Barbara, Patron of Firework Manufacturers
St. Barbara’s father oversaw her brutal murder, and then he was struck by lightning on his way home. St. Barbara is also the patron of makers of pretty much everything that goes “boom!” — such as artillery crew members and miners. If loud noises make you jump, she will assist.
St. Drogo, Patron of Unattractive People
We’re all wonderfully made children of God. But if there’s a day when you feel like you’re not looking your best, whisper a prayer to St. Drogo. People reportedly were shocked when they saw his appearance and stayed away from him, so you don’t have it as bad as he did.
Whatever you’re doing in life, there’s likely a patron saint ready to pray for you.
