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Patron Saint of Epilepsy

Category: Health & Illness

St. Vitus is invoked against epilepsy. His name became attached in the late Middle Ages to a neurological disorder of involuntary movement (“St. Vitus’ Dance,” Sydenham’s chorea), and Catholics have long sought his intercession in epilepsy and convulsive conditions. St. Dymphna, patroness of nervous and mental afflictions, is invoked alongside him.

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 “Epilepsy” reflects centuries of Catholic popular devotion and, in many cases, formal recognition by popes or bishops.

Patron Saints of Epilepsy

Popularly invoked patronage — widely recognized in Catholic tradition.

Primary Patron
Saint Vitus
Feast Day
June 15

Saint Vitus is invoked against epilepsy. Honored as a boy-martyr of Sicily who died for the faith with his tutor Modestus and his nurse Crescentia in the Roman province of Lucania (feast June 15), he is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. Because his name was given in the late Middle Ages to the convulsive disorder known as “St. Vitus’ Dance” (Sydenham’s chorea), he became the patron invoked by those suffering from epilepsy, chorea, and convulsive and nervous conditions. Source: catholic.org; catholic.org patron index.

Saint Dymphna
Feast Day
May 15

Saint Dymphna, the seventh-century Irish virgin and martyr venerated at Geel in Belgium as the patroness of mental illness, anxiety, and nervous disorders, is invoked together with Saint Vitus for epilepsy and convulsive conditions. Source: catholic.org patron index.

Read full biography of Saint Dymphna →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of epilepsy?

Saint Vitus is the primary patron saint of epilepsy. Their feast day is June 15.

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 Vitus's intercession?

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

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