Catholic Church Times

Patron Saint of Judges

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 "Judges" 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 Judges

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

Primary Patron
Saint John of Capistrano
Feast Day
October 23

Saint John of Capistrano is invoked as patron of judges. Giovanni da Capestrano was born at Capestrano in the Abruzzi on 24 June 1386. Educated at Perugia in civil and canon law, he was appointed governor (Podestà) of Perugia in 1412. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/audiences/2011/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20110629.html.

Read full biography of Saint John of Capistrano →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of judges?

Saint John of Capistrano is the primary patron saint of judges. Their feast day is October 23.

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 John of Capistrano's intercession?

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