Patron Saint of Perfumers

Category: Trades & Occupations

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 "Perfumers" 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 Perfumers

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

Primary Patron
Saint Mary Magdalene

Feast Day
July 22

Saint Mary Magdalene is invoked as patron of perfumers. Saint Mary Magdalene (Mary of Magdala) is presented in the Gospels as the woman from whom Jesus had cast out seven demons (Luke 8:2; Mark 16:9), who followed him from Galilee with a number of women providing for him and his disciples out of their resources (Luke 8:1-3). She stood beneath the Cross with the Mother of Jesus and the beloved disciple (John 19:25, Matthew 27:56, Mark 15:40), watched the burial of the Lord (Matthew 27:61, Mark 15:47), and on Easter morning was the first witness of the empty tomb and of the risen Christ.The Gospel of John (20:1-18) records the most personal of these encounters: weeping at the tomb she sees Jesus, mistakes him for the gardener, and recognizes him only when he calls her by name, Mary. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents/rc_con_ccdds_doc_20160603_decreto-santa-maria-maddalena_en.html.

Read full biography of Saint Mary Magdalene →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of perfumers?

Saint Mary Magdalene is the primary patron saint of perfumers. Their feast day is July 22.

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 Mary Magdalene's intercession?

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