Patron Saint of First Communion of Children

Category: Family & States of Life

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 "First Communion of Children" 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 First Communion of Children

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

Primary Patron
Saint Peter Julian Eymard

Feast Day
August 2

Saint Peter Julian Eymard is invoked as patron of the First Communion of children. Saint Peter Julian Eymard was born at La Mure d'Isere in southeastern France on February 4, 1811, son of a cutler who had survived the persecution of the French Revolution. After early studies and a brief novitiate with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, he was ordained priest of the Diocese of Grenoble on July 20, 1834, and served as a parish curate and pastor.In 1839 he entered the Society of Mary (Marists), serving as Provincial of Lyon and as spiritual director and novice master. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/john-xxiii/it/homilies/1962/documents/hf_j-xxiii_hom_19621209_canonizzazione-eymard.html.

Read full biography of Saint Peter Julian Eymard →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of first communion of children?

Saint Peter Julian Eymard is the primary patron saint of first communion of children. Their feast day is August 2.

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 Peter Julian Eymard's intercession?

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