Catholic Church Times

Patron Saint of Burn Victims

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 "Burn Victims" 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 Burn Victims

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

Primary Patron
Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist
Feast Day
December 27

Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist is invoked as patron of burn victims. John, son of Zebedee and Salome and brother of Saint James the Greater, was a Galilean fisherman of Bethsaida and Capernaum who, with his brother and partners Peter and Andrew, was called by Jesus from his nets at the Sea of Galilee (Mark 1:19-20; Luke 5:10). He belonged with Peter and James to the inner circle of the Twelve, present at the raising of Jairus's daughter, the Transfiguration, and the Agony in the Garden. Sources: https://www.usccb.org/resources/2026cal.pdf.

Read full biography of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of burn victims?

Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist is the primary patron saint of burn victims. Their feast day is December 27.

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 John, Apostle and Evangelist's intercession?

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