Patron Saint of Hosts and Hostesses

Category: Other

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 "Hosts and Hostesses" 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 Hosts and Hostesses

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

Primary Patron
Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus

Feast Day
July 29

Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus is invoked as patron of hosts and hostesses. The Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus honors the three siblings of Bethany, the village two miles east of Jerusalem on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, presented in the Gospels as friends of Jesus and as a privileged household of his earthly ministry. Saint John tells us, Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus (John 11:5).Martha is the figure of active service: she received the Lord into her house at the meal at Bethany, was busy about much serving (Luke 10:38-42), and was rebuked, gently, for being anxious and troubled about many things, while one thing alone is needful, the better part chosen by Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents/rc_con_ccdds_doc_20210126_decreto-celebrazione-marta-maria-lazzaro_en.html.

Read full biography of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of hosts and hostesses?

Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus is the primary patron saint of hosts and hostesses. Their feast day is July 29.

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 Martha, Mary, and Lazarus's intercession?

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