Patron Saint of Printers

Category: Arts & Communications

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 "Printers" 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 Printers

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

Primary Patron
Saint Augustine

Feast Day
August 28

Saint Augustine is invoked as patron of printers. Saint Augustine was born at Thagaste in Roman Numidia on November 13, 354, son of the pagan Patricius and the Christian Saint Monica. His father provided for the education of his brilliant elder son at Madaura and Carthage in classical Latin literature and rhetoric, looking to a career in the imperial service. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/audiences/2008/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20080109.html.

Read full biography of Saint Augustine →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of printers?

Saint Augustine is the primary patron saint of printers. Their feast day is August 28.

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 Augustine's intercession?

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