Catholic Church Times

Patron Saint of People with Serious Illness

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 "People with Serious Illness" 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 People with Serious Illness

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

Primary Patron
Saint Peregrine Laziosi
Feast Day
May 1

Saint Peregrine Laziosi is invoked as patron of people with serious illness. Peregrine was born in 1260 to a wealthy Forlì family of the anti-papal faction. As a young man he struck the future Saint Philip Benizi, then prior general of the Servites, in the face during a public disturbance; Philip turned the other cheek. Sources: https://www.servidimaria.net/sitoosm/en/saints/peregrine.html.

Read full biography of Saint Peregrine Laziosi →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of people with serious illness?

Saint Peregrine Laziosi is the primary patron saint of people with serious illness. Their feast day is May 1.

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 Peregrine Laziosi's intercession?

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