Patron Saint of Elderly

Category: Marginalized & Vulnerable

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 "Elderly" 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 Elderly

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

Primary Patron
Saints Joachim and Anne

Feast Day
July 26

Saints Joachim and Anne is invoked as patron of the elderly. The Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne honors the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the maternal grandparents of Jesus Christ. The names of Joachim and Anne are not given in the canonical Gospels but appear in the second-century Protoevangelium of James, an apocryphal narrative which, while not received into Scripture by the Catholic Church, was respected as an early witness to traditions about Mary's birth and infancy. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/nonni/documents/20210531-messaggio-nonni-anziani.html.

Read full biography of Saints Joachim and Anne →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of elderly?

Saints Joachim and Anne is the primary patron saint of elderly. Their feast day is July 26.

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 Joachim and Anne's intercession?

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