Patron Saint of Victims of Sexual Assault

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 "Victims of Sexual Assault" 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 Victims of Sexual Assault

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

Primary Patron
Saint Maria Goretti

Feast Day
July 6

Saint Maria Goretti is invoked as patron of victims of sexual assault. Saint Maria Teresa Goretti was born at Corinaldo in the Italian Marches on October 16, 1890, the third of seven children of Luigi Goretti and Assunta Carlini, peasant farmers. The family moved to the Pontine Marshes south of Rome in 1897, sharing a farmhouse and tenant labor with the Serenelli family. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xii/it/speeches/1950/documents/hf_p-xii_spe_19500624_canonizzazione.html.

Read full biography of Saint Maria Goretti →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of victims of sexual assault?

Saint Maria Goretti is the primary patron saint of victims of sexual assault. Their feast day is July 6.

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 Maria Goretti's intercession?

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