Patron Saint of Bankers

Category: Trades & Occupations

St. Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist, who was a tax collector (publicanus) before Jesus called him, is the patron of bankers, accountants, tax collectors, and financial workers. His feast day is September 21. The connection between his former profession and the financial industry has made him the traditional patron of those who work with money.

St. Homobonus of Cremona, a 12th-century Italian merchant known for honest dealing and charity, is patron of merchants and business people, and by extension invoked by bankers and financiers.

Patron Saint of Bankers

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

Primary Patron
Saint Matthew

Feast Day
September 21

Saint Matthew is invoked as patron of bankers. Saint Matthew, called Levi son of Alphaeus in the Gospels of Mark and Luke, was a tax collector (publicanus) in the customs station at Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee, an occupation despised by Jewish society for its collaboration with Roman authority. The Gospel of Matthew records his call: As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/audiences/2006/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20060830.html.

Read full biography of Saint Matthew →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of bankers?

Saint Matthew is the primary patron saint of bankers. Their feast day is September 21.

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 Matthew's intercession?

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