Catholic Church Times

Patron Saint of Conversion of Sinners

Category: Spiritual Life & Devotion

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 "Conversion of Sinners" 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 Conversion of Sinners

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

Primary Patron
Our Lady of Fatima
Feast Day
May 13

Our Lady of Fatima is invoked as patron of the conversion of sinners. The Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima commemorates the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to three shepherd children, Lucia dos Santos and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto, at the Cova da Iria in the parish of Fatima, Portugal. The apparitions occurred on six occasions on the thirteenth day of each month from May 13 to October 13, 1917, with a brief substitution of the August date.Mary identified herself to the children as the Lady of the Rosary, calling them to the daily Rosary, to penance for the conversion of sinners, and to consecration of the world to her Immaculate Heart. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2017/documents/papa-francesco_20170513_omelia-pellegrinaggio-fatima.html.

Read full biography of Our Lady of Fatima →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of conversion of sinners?

Our Lady of Fatima is the primary patron saint of conversion of sinners. Their feast day is May 13.

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 Our Lady of Fatima's intercession?

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