Patron Saint of Forgotten People

Category: Marginalized & Vulnerable

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 "Forgotten People" 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 Forgotten People

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

Primary Patron
Saint Jane Frances de Chantal

Feast Day
August 12

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal is invoked as patron of forgotten people. Saint Jane Frances Fremiot was born at Dijon on January 28, 1572, second daughter of Benigne Fremiot, the President of the Burgundian Parlement. After a careful Catholic upbringing, in 1592 she married Baron Christophe de Rabutin-Chantal, a young nobleman, and from this marriage of profound mutual affection she bore six children, of whom four survived infancy. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/audiences/2010/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20101013.html.

Read full biography of Saint Jane Frances de Chantal →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of forgotten people?

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal is the primary patron saint of forgotten people. Their feast day is August 12.

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 Jane Frances de Chantal's intercession?

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