Patron Saint of Martyrs

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 "Martyrs" 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 Martyrs

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

Primary Patron
Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)

Feast Day
August 9

Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) is invoked as patron of martyrs. Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross was born Edith Stein at Breslau in Silesia on October 12, 1891, the youngest of eleven children of an observant Jewish family of timber merchants. Her father died when she was two, and she was raised by her devout mother. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/homilies/1998/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_11101998_stein.html.

Read full biography of Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of martyrs?

Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) is the primary patron saint of martyrs. Their feast day is August 9.

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 Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)'s intercession?

To ask for a patron saint's intercession, Catholics typically pray directly to the saint, saying something like: "Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), 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.