Patron Saint of Against Snake Bites

Category: Health & Illness

In Catholic tradition, patron saints are holy men and women whose lives and intercession are considered especially suited to particular needs, groups, or situations. The Church's practice of invoking saints reflects the doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the faithful departed remain united with the living in the one Body of Christ and can intercede before God on our behalf.

The designation of a patron saint for "Against Snake Bites" reflects centuries of Catholic popular devotion and, in many cases, formal proclamations by popes or bishops recognizing a saint's particular connection to this intention through the circumstances of their life, death, or documented miracles.

Patron Saint of Against Snake Bites

Formally proclaimed patronage — sourced from canonized saints in the Roman Calendar.

Primary Patron
Saint Hilary of Poitiers

Feast Day
January 13

Saint Hilary of Poitiers is invoked as patron of against snake bites. Hilary was born about 315 in Poitiers in Roman Gaul to a pagan family of senatorial rank. By his own account, in De Trinitate book I, he was led from philosophy to Christian faith through reading the Scriptures, especially the prologue of John's Gospel and the divine name in Exodus 3:14. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/audiences/2007/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20071010.html.

Read full biography of Saint Hilary of Poitiers →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of against snake bites?

Saint Hilary of Poitiers is the primary patron saint of against snake bites. Their feast day is January 13.

What is a patron saint?

A patron saint is a holy man or woman canonized by the Church whose life and heavenly intercession are considered especially powerful for particular needs, groups, or situations. Catholics ask patron saints to intercede — to pray to God on their behalf — drawing on the doctrine of the Communion of Saints.

How do I ask for Hilary of Poitiers's intercession?

To ask for a patron saint's intercession, Catholics typically pray directly to the saint, saying something like: "Hilary of Poitiers, pray for us." You may also light a candle, attend Mass on their feast day, or make a novena — nine days of consecutive prayer — asking for their help before a particular need.