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Patron Saint of Headaches

Category: Health & Illness

St. Teresa of Ávila is invoked against headaches. The great Carmelite reformer and Doctor of the Church suffered throughout her life from grave illnesses — including severe and persistent head pains and the noises she described in her own writings — and so is turned to by those who suffer headaches and chronic pain.

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

Patron Saint of Headaches

Popularly invoked patronage — widely recognized in Catholic tradition.

Primary Patron
Saint Teresa of Ávila
Feast Day
October 15

Saint Teresa of Ávila is invoked against headaches. Born Teresa de Cepeda y Ahumada at Ávila in Castile in 1515, she entered the Carmelite Order and, after a profound interior conversion, became the foundress of the reformed (Discalced) Carmelites and one of the greatest masters of Christian prayer, leaving such works as The Interior Castle and her Life. From her youth she endured serious and often agonizing illnesses — including a paralyzing sickness and lifelong sufferings she frankly described, among them severe head pains and a constant noise in the head — borne with heroic patience. For this reason she is popularly invoked by those who suffer from headaches and other chronic bodily pain. She died in 1582, was canonized in 1622, and in 1970 was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI — the first woman to be so named. Her feast is kept on October 15. Source: catholic.org patron index.

Read full biography of Saint Teresa of Ávila →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of headaches?

Saint Teresa of Ávila is the primary patron saint of headaches. Their feast day is October 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 Teresa of Ávila's intercession?

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