Patron Saint of Catholic Universities

Category: Education & Learning

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 "Catholic Universities" 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 Catholic Universities

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

Primary Patron
Saint Thomas Aquinas

Feast Day
January 28

Saint Thomas Aquinas is invoked as patron of Catholic universities. Thomas was born about 1225 at the family castle of Roccasecca, near Aquino in the Kingdom of Sicily, the youngest son of Landulf of Aquino and Theodora of Theate. From age five he was an oblate at the Benedictine abbey of Monte Cassino, and from 1239 he studied at the imperial University of Naples, where he encountered the works of Aristotle in their newly available Latin translations.About 1244 he entered the Order of Preachers in Naples. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_04081879_aeterni-patris.html.

Read full biography of Saint Thomas Aquinas →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of catholic universities?

Saint Thomas Aquinas is the primary patron saint of catholic universities. Their feast day is January 28.

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 Thomas Aquinas's intercession?

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