Patron Saint of Alcoholics

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 "Alcoholics" 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 Saints of Alcoholics

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

Primary Patron
Saint Matthias

Feast Day
May 14

Saint Matthias is invoked as patron of alcoholics. Saint Matthias was chosen by lot to take the place of Judas Iscariot among the Twelve Apostles after the Ascension of the Lord and before Pentecost (Acts 1:15-26). The criterion Saint Peter set for his election was that the candidate had accompanied Jesus and the apostles all the time the Lord Jesus came in and went out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us, and so could be a witness to his Resurrection. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/audiences/2006/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20061018.html.

Read full biography of Saint Matthias →

Saint Monica

Feast Day
August 27

Saint Monica is invoked as patron of alcoholics. Saint Monica was born about 332 at Thagaste in Roman Numidia (modern Souk Ahras, Algeria), of a Christian Berber family. The principal source for her life is her son's Confessions, especially Book IX, where Augustine has given us perhaps the most extended and personal portrait of any woman in Christian antiquity. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/audiences/2009/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20090422.html.

Read full biography of Saint Monica →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of alcoholics?

Saint Matthias is the primary patron saint of alcoholics. Their feast day is May 14.

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 Matthias's intercession?

To ask for a patron saint's intercession, Catholics typically pray directly to the saint, saying something like: "Matthias, 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.