Patron Saint of Police Officers

Category: Military & Public Safety

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 "Police Officers" 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 Police Officers

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

Primary Patron
Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels

Feast Day
September 29

Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels is invoked as patron of police officers. The Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, popularly known as Michaelmas, honors the three archangels named in Sacred Scripture. The feast was originally a Roman dedication-feast: on 29 September a basilica of Saint Michael, the Basilica Sancti Michaelis Archangeli in Septimo or Salaria, was dedicated near Rome in the fifth century. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p1s2c1p5.htm.

Read full biography of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of police officers?

Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels is the primary patron saint of police officers. Their feast day is September 29.

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 Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels's intercession?

To ask for a patron saint's intercession, Catholics typically pray directly to the saint, saying something like: "Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels, 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.