Catholic Church Times

Patron Saint of Colombia

Category: Countries & Regions

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 "Colombia" 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 Colombia

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

Primary Patron
Saint Peter Claver
Feast Day
September 9

Saint Peter Claver is invoked as patron of Colombia. Pedro Claver y Corberó was born at Verdú in Catalonia in 1580 or 1581. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1602 and at the College of Montesión on Majorca was guided by the lay brother and porter Saint Alphonsus Rodríguez, who urged him to volunteer for the West Indies missions. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/la/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_25071888_quamquam-pluries.html.

Read full biography of Saint Peter Claver →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of colombia?

Saint Peter Claver is the primary patron saint of colombia. Their feast day is September 9.

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 Peter Claver's intercession?

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