Patron Saint of Queens

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 "Queens" 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 Queens

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

Primary Patron
Saint Hedwig

Feast Day
October 16

Saint Hedwig is invoked as patron of queens. Hedwig (Polish: Jadwiga, German: Hedwig) was born about 1174 at Andechs in Bavaria, daughter of Berthold IV, count of Andechs, and aunt of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. At twelve she was given in marriage to Henry I (the Bearded), duke of Silesia, with whom she had seven children and lived devoutly for nearly forty years. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/homilies/1983/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_19830621_clemente-rzym.html.

Read full biography of Saint Hedwig →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of queens?

Saint Hedwig is the primary patron saint of queens. Their feast day is October 16.

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 Hedwig's intercession?

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