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Christianity

Q&A for committed Christians, experts in Christianity and those interested in learning more

Latest Questions

14 votes
1 answers
4466 views
How did Isidore of Seville become the patron saint of the Internet and computer programmers?
According to Wikipedia, [Isidore of Seville][1] (not to be confused with [Isidore the Laborer][2]) is the patron saint of the Internet and computer programmers. Unfortunately, [the current revision][3] doesn't describe how a 7th Century man became the patron of a 20th Century invention and its relat...
According to Wikipedia, Isidore of Seville (not to be confused with Isidore the Laborer ) is the patron saint of the Internet and computer programmers. Unfortunately, the current revision doesn't describe how a 7th Century man became the patron of a 20th Century invention and its related profession. It does mention the existence of the Order of Saint Isidore of Seville , founded January 1, 2000, but it's unclear on if they pushed for this patronage or if it was others. How did Isidore of Seville gain the distinction of being the patron saint of the Internet and computer programmers?
Thunderforge (6467 rep)
Jul 25, 2018, 02:31 AM • Last activity: Jul 7, 2025, 02:42 AM
0 votes
2 answers
373 views
Who named the Patron Saint of Gastrointestinal Diseases and on what basis and to what end?
According to [CoPilot AI][1]: Saint Erasmus and Saint Timothy are both considered patron saints of gastrointestinal issues. [1, 2] Saint Erasmus [2] • The patron saint of liver disease and gastrointestinal issues [2] • Also the patron saint of abdominal pain, especially pain in the liver or intestin...
According to [CoPilot AI]: Saint Erasmus and Saint Timothy are both considered patron saints of gastrointestinal issues. [1, 2] Saint Erasmus • The patron saint of liver disease and gastrointestinal issues • Also the patron saint of abdominal pain, especially pain in the liver or intestines • The patron saint of women in labor and those who work at sea • Also known as St. Elmo, the name of the bishop of Foremiae, Campagna, Italy • He was martyred during the Diocletian persecution Saint Timothy • The patron saint of stomach and intestinal ailments • He was a close friend and confidant of St. Paul • He was consecrated as the Bishop of Ephesus by St. Paul in 65 AD • He was stoned to death by pagans in 97 AD • His feast day is celebrated on January 26th in the Roman Catholic Church Generative AI is experimental. Not all images can be exported from Search. https://www.praymorenovenas.com/st-timothy-novena https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11304635/ https://www.praymorenovenas.com/st-erasmus-novena https://catholicsaintmedals.com/patronage/patron-against-intestinal-disorders/ https://connection.newmanministry.com/saint/saint-timothy/
Ruminator (2548 rep)
Feb 10, 2025, 05:08 PM • Last activity: Feb 11, 2025, 04:48 PM
0 votes
1 answers
284 views
Can you share a name with your confirmation patron saint?
My son was asking me this question and I'm actually not sure of the answer so I figured I'd ask here for him. In all the years I've taught confirmation nobody's tried using their same name, but if you're named after a saint, my assumption is that that saint is already your Christian name - in Baptis...
My son was asking me this question and I'm actually not sure of the answer so I figured I'd ask here for him. In all the years I've taught confirmation nobody's tried using their same name, but if you're named after a saint, my assumption is that that saint is already your Christian name - in Baptism, therefore you'd be doubling up. Now, I'd imagine there's no rule on this, if there is, it probably short circuits the question, but if there isn't, what are the pros and cons of choosing your own name as a confirmation patron?
Peter Turner (34456 rep)
May 3, 2024, 09:15 PM • Last activity: May 4, 2024, 02:21 AM
2 votes
0 answers
518 views
Why does your confirmation patron saint have to be the same sex as yourself?
I was putting together a confirmation class for this week and was a little surprised to learn that your confirmation saint has to be the same sex as yourself. At least that's what the [religious hippie says]( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v04xKawMas&t=117s) What is the reason for that? And is tha...
I was putting together a confirmation class for this week and was a little surprised to learn that your confirmation saint has to be the same sex as yourself. At least that's what the [religious hippie says]( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v04xKawMas&t=117s) What is the reason for that? And is that something from canon law or just tradition?
Peter Turner (34456 rep)
Dec 10, 2023, 04:20 AM
3 votes
0 answers
117 views
How do Catholics choose which saints to pray to?
How do Catholics decide which saints to pray to? I am somewhat familiar with the concept of patron saints; my understanding is that Catholics are encouraged to pray to particular saints based on their location, occupation, or activities. The categories seem to be quite broad, however, so one person...
How do Catholics decide which saints to pray to? I am somewhat familiar with the concept of patron saints; my understanding is that Catholics are encouraged to pray to particular saints based on their location, occupation, or activities. The categories seem to be quite broad, however, so one person would have several patron saints. For example, Maximilian Kolbe is the patron saint of, among other groups, amateur radio operators. I am an amateur radio operator; if I were Catholic, would I pray to Kolbe only for prayers related to amateur radio, or could I pray to him for anything, because I am an amateur radio operator? If the former, what would the qualifications be for a prayer to be related to amateur radio? If I'm falling from a ham radio antenna tower and praying for protection, would that qualify?
Someone (548 rep)
Nov 15, 2023, 10:34 PM • Last activity: Nov 16, 2023, 09:11 PM
-1 votes
2 answers
102 views
Patronage of Saint Thomas the Apostle?
Is Saint Doubting Thomas the Patron Saint of any of the following: 1. Rational Theology 2. Science 3. Skepticism (religious [atheism] and others) *Deus Magnus Est*
Is Saint Doubting Thomas the Patron Saint of any of the following: 1. Rational Theology 2. Science 3. Skepticism (religious [atheism] and others) *Deus Magnus Est*
Hudjefa (141 rep)
Nov 15, 2023, 11:41 AM • Last activity: Nov 15, 2023, 07:40 PM
10 votes
3 answers
978 views
How can a particular trade of modern times get a patron saint?
In days of yore, tradesman and guilds had patron saints. These days patrons seem to only be attributed to profession in vague ways via papal declaration (i.e. St. John Vianney is the Patron of all priests as of 2010), not from the ground up. As a computer programmer, I'd like to have a patron, but C...
In days of yore, tradesman and guilds had patron saints. These days patrons seem to only be attributed to profession in vague ways via papal declaration (i.e. St. John Vianney is the Patron of all priests as of 2010), not from the ground up. As a computer programmer, I'd like to have a patron, but Catholic programmers seem few and far between. I'm not specifically asking as a programmer, but as a person who has a noble trade, how can I get Rome to acknowledge that me and my cohort say a particular saint should be the patron of our work?
Peter Turner (34456 rep)
Sep 13, 2011, 09:18 PM • Last activity: Oct 21, 2023, 02:22 AM
2 votes
0 answers
29 views
The process for getting a patron saint today
For some time now I have been trying to get a patron saint for railroad workers, but I have had little success with various dioceses. I think my next step should be getting co-signatures, but how many do I need? World-wide, or would USA suffice? Hard copy? Phone numbers? Addresses? When the signatur...
For some time now I have been trying to get a patron saint for railroad workers, but I have had little success with various dioceses. I think my next step should be getting co-signatures, but how many do I need? World-wide, or would USA suffice? Hard copy? Phone numbers? Addresses? When the signatures have been gathered, where exactly at the Vatican should I send the letter of intent to? Should it be addressed to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints?
Ken Pokorski (21 rep)
Oct 20, 2023, 06:25 PM • Last activity: Oct 20, 2023, 07:58 PM
3 votes
1 answers
983 views
How did Saint Anthony come to be the patron Saint of finding lost objects?
I’m not sure how many traditions see him this way but I know it is the case for Roman Catholics, especially Irish ones.
I’m not sure how many traditions see him this way but I know it is the case for Roman Catholics, especially Irish ones.
TheIronKnuckle (2897 rep)
Jul 19, 2023, 06:38 AM • Last activity: Jul 19, 2023, 01:06 PM
6 votes
1 answers
914 views
Can a Patron Saint formally declared as such by a pope be replaced?
In the post https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/60457/can-patron-saints-be-dethroned there seems to be some confusion between a patron saint having become no longer a patron saint, and a patron saint being "decanonized". Here, I specifically ask: When **a Pope declares a Saint to be a p...
In the post https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/60457/can-patron-saints-be-dethroned there seems to be some confusion between a patron saint having become no longer a patron saint, and a patron saint being "decanonized". Here, I specifically ask: When **a Pope declares a Saint to be a patron of something** (say, St. John Vianney who was first declared "Patron Saint of Parish Priests" by Pope Pius IX in 1929, and later made "Patron Saint of All Priests" by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010) can that Saint's office of *patron* ever be revoked by another Pope? Has it ever happened?
DDS (3256 rep)
Jul 5, 2023, 10:09 PM • Last activity: Jul 6, 2023, 03:56 PM
1 votes
1 answers
143 views
If a cathedral has to move in a diocese, is it normal to rename the parish?
Pending Vatican approval, my diocese is moving the Cathedral to a neighboring parish. The Cathedral Parish was St. Raphael, the new Parish is St. Bernards. Now, nothing against St. Bernard, but he's not exactly an archangel. So what I'm wondering is, is it the norm to rename the parish a Cathedral m...
Pending Vatican approval, my diocese is moving the Cathedral to a neighboring parish. The Cathedral Parish was St. Raphael, the new Parish is St. Bernards. Now, nothing against St. Bernard, but he's not exactly an archangel. So what I'm wondering is, is it the norm to rename the parish a Cathedral moves to (in this case, rename St. Bernard's parish St. Raphael's parish) or is it normal to leave St. Bernard alone and re-dedicate the diocese? Also, since this is the only church in the parish, would it also be normal to rename the church building itself?
Peter Turner (34456 rep)
Mar 8, 2023, 05:40 PM • Last activity: Mar 9, 2023, 09:04 PM
8 votes
1 answers
2859 views
How does the Catholic Church choose the patron saint of a parish church?
I’m Catholic, and have been since birth. I attend parish of St. Francis in Bakersfield, California. I have noticed recently, that all Catholic Churches, for the most part are named after a Saint, i.e. Saint Francis, Saint Phillip, Saint Anne, Saint Stephen etc. I’ve always wondered, how to they pick...
I’m Catholic, and have been since birth. I attend parish of St. Francis in Bakersfield, California. I have noticed recently, that all Catholic Churches, for the most part are named after a Saint, i.e. Saint Francis, Saint Phillip, Saint Anne, Saint Stephen etc. I’ve always wondered, how to they pick which Saint? Is their a list of names to choose from or are they just chosen at random?
Bryan Rivers (81 rep)
Jul 13, 2018, 07:36 PM • Last activity: Mar 8, 2023, 12:18 PM
1 votes
2 answers
155 views
When/who declared the Immaculate Conception the patroness of 🇺🇸?
When and who declared the Immaculate Conception the patroness of the United States of America?
When and who declared the Immaculate Conception the patroness of the United States of America?
Geremia (42439 rep)
Dec 8, 2022, 06:53 PM • Last activity: Dec 8, 2022, 08:26 PM
7 votes
1 answers
466 views
What is the spiritual significance of a patron saint?
What is the spiritual or heavenly significance of saint having a patronage or being patron saint with regards to something like a place, person or profession? Is it just a recognition of the fact that e.g. people of a particular profession have generally turned to this particular saint for intercess...
What is the spiritual or heavenly significance of saint having a patronage or being patron saint with regards to something like a place, person or profession? Is it just a recognition of the fact that e.g. people of a particular profession have generally turned to this particular saint for intercession? Or is it a declaration that somehow makes a spiritual connection between this saint and some place? Or is it both or something else or does it just depend? Basically, if the church declares that some saint will now be patron saint for some new profession, does that declaration actually effect any change? Or is it a request made to that saint, which may be assumed to be accepted? How does it work?
Shathur (1941 rep)
Aug 7, 2022, 08:16 PM • Last activity: Aug 13, 2022, 09:18 PM
1 votes
2 answers
1226 views
If Catholicism rejects freemasonry, why are there patron saints of Freemasons?
According to the Catholic Church, a practicing and faithful Catholic cannot practice freemasonry. So why on earth are St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelists the Patron saints of Freemasons? Doesn’t that seem a little bit counter intuitive? Am I just missing something?
According to the Catholic Church, a practicing and faithful Catholic cannot practice freemasonry. So why on earth are St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelists the Patron saints of Freemasons? Doesn’t that seem a little bit counter intuitive? Am I just missing something?
Luke Hill (5538 rep)
Mar 29, 2022, 01:07 AM • Last activity: Mar 30, 2022, 04:48 PM
1 votes
1 answers
305 views
What are the criteria for a saint becoming the Patron saint of something in the Catholic Church?
I’m quite curious - there are saints for almost every profession and/or hobby. Sometimes, these saints seemingly have no connection to the profession or hobby at all, like St. Isidore of Seville, who is from the Middle Ages, but was made the Patron saint of the Internet. So on Catholicism, what is t...
I’m quite curious - there are saints for almost every profession and/or hobby. Sometimes, these saints seemingly have no connection to the profession or hobby at all, like St. Isidore of Seville, who is from the Middle Ages, but was made the Patron saint of the Internet. So on Catholicism, what is the criteria?
Luke Hill (5538 rep)
Mar 29, 2022, 01:03 AM • Last activity: Mar 29, 2022, 05:41 AM
3 votes
4 answers
851 views
Does the Catholic Church teach a specific way to pray to the saints?
When I pray to the saints, does the Church have a specific teaching on how I should do it? Word choice, syntax, ect? Do I pray to Patron saints for specific things related to their patronage?
When I pray to the saints, does the Church have a specific teaching on how I should do it? Word choice, syntax, ect? Do I pray to Patron saints for specific things related to their patronage?
Luke Hill (5538 rep)
Jan 31, 2022, 05:41 PM • Last activity: Feb 1, 2022, 01:25 AM
6 votes
3 answers
1102 views
What is the connection between St. Michael and people who work in grocery stores?
When examining the [wikipedia page][1] on St. Michael it says: > Michael the Archangel is the patron saint of ***grocers***, mariners, > paratroopers, police officers, and military personnel. Mariners, military, and cops I can understand. But how did St. Michael come to be known as the patron for gr...
When examining the wikipedia page on St. Michael it says: > Michael the Archangel is the patron saint of ***grocers***, mariners, > paratroopers, police officers, and military personnel. Mariners, military, and cops I can understand. But how did St. Michael come to be known as the patron for grocery store workers?
Resting in Shade (1326 rep)
Apr 29, 2021, 09:24 PM • Last activity: Apr 30, 2021, 05:31 PM
2 votes
3 answers
1250 views
What is the biblical basis for the assignment of patron saints?
Within Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy specifically (there may be more) there are many patron saints. Is there any biblical basis that exists for the assignment of a patron saint?
Within Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy specifically (there may be more) there are many patron saints. Is there any biblical basis that exists for the assignment of a patron saint?
Mike Borden (24105 rep)
Apr 24, 2020, 08:03 PM • Last activity: Mar 23, 2021, 03:47 AM
4 votes
2 answers
310 views
Is there a Patron Saint against the coronavirus?
**Does the Catholic Church have a *“Patron Saint against the pandemic caused by the coronavirus”*?**
**Does the Catholic Church have a *“Patron Saint against the pandemic caused by the coronavirus”*?**
Ken Graham (81444 rep)
Apr 23, 2020, 01:44 AM • Last activity: Aug 11, 2020, 07:57 PM
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