Patron Saint of Tax Collectors

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 "Tax Collectors" 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 Tax Collectors

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

Primary Patron
Saint Matthew

Feast Day
September 21

Saint Matthew is invoked as patron of tax collectors. Saint Matthew, called Levi son of Alphaeus in the Gospels of Mark and Luke, was a tax collector (publicanus) in the customs station at Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee, an occupation despised by Jewish society for its collaboration with Roman authority. The Gospel of Matthew records his call: As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/audiences/2006/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20060830.html.

Read full biography of Saint Matthew →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of tax collectors?

Saint Matthew is the primary patron saint of tax collectors. Their feast day is September 21.

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 Matthew's intercession?

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