Patron Saint of Bowel Disorders

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 "Bowel Disorders" 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 Bowel Disorders

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

Primary Patron
Saint Bonaventure

Feast Day
July 15

Saint Bonaventure is invoked as patron of bowel disorders. Saint Bonaventure was born Giovanni di Fidanza at Bagnoregio in central Italy about 1217. According to a tradition he himself records, his mother promised him to Saint Francis of Assisi after the saint's prayers obtained his cure from a childhood illness; the name Bonaventure (good fortune), it is said, was Francis's exclamation on seeing the recovered child. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/audiences/2010/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20100303.html.

Read full biography of Saint Bonaventure →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of bowel disorders?

Saint Bonaventure is the primary patron saint of bowel disorders. Their feast day is July 15.

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 Bonaventure's intercession?

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