How to Find a Saint Friend

There are so many saints that it may be difficult to choose one that may interest you and your family. So, if you are wondering what saint might be interesting for you, here are some ideas:

The name of your Catholic church: check your parish website to see if it provides some background its saint. Maybe there is an icon or statue of the saint.

Your family’s heritage: Celtic saints like Saint David of Wales have a unique history of wandering around in boats without oars or connecting with nature. Italian saints represent a tremendous heritage: Saint Francis, Saint Clare, Saint Catherine of Siena are just a few. If you are German, Saint Hildegard of Bingen was a truly gifted saint who wrote plays and songs. Latin American and South American saints like Mexican Saint Juan Diego, a model of faith, and Peruvian Saint Martin de Porres, a model of service, are inspirations.

Sense of place: Perhaps there is a place where you’ve traveled where you’ve felt a sense of connection where a saint also lived. Maybe you’ve visited a church dedicated to a particular saint. Pay attention to the call of the Holy Spirit in places like these.

Hobby or Job: Saints are often the patrons of everyday activities like baking, fishing, etc. If you enjoy these, connect with the related saint, just as you would with a typical friend. For a list of patrons, see http://www.catholic.org/saints/patron.php

Animals: Kids especially enjoy stories of saints helping, or getting advice from, animals. In one story, St. Patrick refused to let his companions hunt a deer and her fawn, because they rested on a hilltop site where he wished to build a church. Catholic Icing has compiled a wonderful list of saints and their animals; see http://www.catholicicing.com/animals-for-peg-dolls/

Prayer: A way of praying from a certain saint may touch your soul. When I was first considering becoming Catholic, I struggled to move beyond my childhood perceptions of God as a punishing “judge.” When I heard the Breastplate of St. Patrick prayer, “Jesus with me, Jesus before me, Jesus behind me, Jesus in me, Jesus beneath me…,” I began to change, knowing Jesus wanted to enfold me in love, hope, and protection.

St. Patrick became a guide and friend. I wish you luck in finding a saint friend as well!