Patron Saint of Physicians

Category: Medicine & Healing

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 "Physicians" 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 Saints of Physicians

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

Primary Patron
Saints Cosmas and Damian

Feast Day
September 26

Saints Cosmas and Damian is invoked as patron of physicians. Cosmas and Damian, traditionally said to be twin brothers, were Arab Christians of the late third century who practiced medicine without payment and were known therefore as the Anargyroi, the silverless ones. Their cultus is securely attested from the fifth century: a great basilica was built in their honor at Cyrrhus in Syria, where their relics were translated; another, founded in their memory at Constantinople by the Emperor Justinian (527-565), became one of the chief churches of the Byzantine capital. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/john-xxiii/la/motu_proprio/documents/hf_j-xxiii_motu-proprio_19620713_rubricarum-instructum.html.

Read full biography of Saints Cosmas and Damian →

Saint Luke

Feast Day
October 18

Saint Luke is invoked as patron of physicians. Saint Luke is named three times in the New Testament: as the beloved physician (Colossians 4:14), as Saint Paul's fellow worker (Philemon 24), and again as Paul's companion in his last imprisonment (2 Timothy 4:11). Patristic tradition, attested by the Anti-Marcionite Prologue (c. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/audiences/2008/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20080123.html.

Read full biography of Saint Luke →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of physicians?

Saints Cosmas and Damian is the primary patron saint of physicians. Their feast day is September 26.

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 Cosmas and Damian's intercession?

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