Patron Saint of Education

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 "Education" 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 Saints of Education

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

Primary Patron
Saint Scholastica

Feast Day
February 10

Saint Scholastica is invoked as patron of education. Scholastica was the sister, by tradition the twin sister, of Saint Benedict of Nursia. The principal historical source for her life is book II of the Dialogues of Pope Saint Gregory the Great, written about 593, drawing on the witness of monks who had known Benedict.Gregory reports (Dialogues II, 33-34) that Scholastica had consecrated her virginity to God from an early age and lived in a community of women near Monte Cassino, the abbey her brother had founded about 529. Sources: https://www.usccb.org/resources/2026cal.pdf.

Read full biography of Saint Scholastica →

Saint John Chrysostom

Feast Day
September 13

Saint John Chrysostom is invoked as patron of education. John, surnamed Chrysostomos (Golden-Mouthed) for his eloquence, was born at Antioch about 347. After studying rhetoric under the pagan teacher Libanius and sacred letters under Diodore of Tarsus, he embraced an ascetic life in the mountains, returning to the city for reasons of health. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/audiences/2007/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20070919.html.

Read full biography of Saint John Chrysostom →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of education?

Saint Scholastica is the primary patron saint of education. Their feast day is February 10.

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 Scholastica's intercession?

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