Patron Saint of Peace

Category: Spiritual Life & Devotion

St. Francis of Assisi, the 13th-century founder of the Franciscan friars, is widely invoked as a patron of peace. The Prayer of St. Francis ("Lord, make me an instrument of your peace..."), though dating to the early 20th century rather than to Francis himself, captures the spirit of reconciliation and gentleness associated with him. His feast day is October 4.

St. Francis's own life included an attempt to peacefully convert the Sultan al-Kamil during the Fifth Crusade, and his stigmata and embrace of "Sister Poverty" made him a symbol of non-violence and simplicity across many traditions beyond Catholicism.

Patron Saint of Peace

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

Primary Patron
Our Lady of Fatima

Feast Day
May 13

Our Lady of Fatima is invoked as patron of peace. The Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima commemorates the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to three shepherd children, Lucia dos Santos and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto, at the Cova da Iria in the parish of Fatima, Portugal. The apparitions occurred on six occasions on the thirteenth day of each month from May 13 to October 13, 1917, with a brief substitution of the August date.Mary identified herself to the children as the Lady of the Rosary, calling them to the daily Rosary, to penance for the conversion of sinners, and to consecration of the world to her Immaculate Heart. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2017/documents/papa-francesco_20170513_omelia-pellegrinaggio-fatima.html.

Read full biography of Our Lady of Fatima →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of peace?

Our Lady of Fatima is the primary patron saint of peace. Their feast day is May 13.

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 Our Lady of Fatima's intercession?

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