Patron Saint of Difficult Marriages

Category: Family & States of Life

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 "Difficult Marriages" 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 Difficult Marriages

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

Primary Patron
Saint Monica

Feast Day
August 27

Saint Monica is invoked as patron of difficult marriages. Saint Monica was born about 332 at Thagaste in Roman Numidia (modern Souk Ahras, Algeria), of a Christian Berber family. The principal source for her life is her son's Confessions, especially Book IX, where Augustine has given us perhaps the most extended and personal portrait of any woman in Christian antiquity. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/audiences/2009/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20090422.html.

Read full biography of Saint Monica →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of difficult marriages?

Saint Monica is the primary patron saint of difficult marriages. Their feast day is August 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 Monica's intercession?

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