Patronage
Patron Saints of Lepers
The Catholic Church venerates 3 saints as patrons of lepers. Each came to this patronage through their own life — read their stories below and ask for the intercession of the one whose path speaks to yours.
St. Damien of Molokai
Feast: May 10“A Belgian priest who volunteered to serve the leper colony on Molokai, Hawaii, eventually contracting and dying of the disease himself.”
St. Lazarus
Feast: December 17“St. Lazarus is best known for being raised from the dead by Jesus Christ.”
St. Marianne Cope
Feast: January 23“A German-American Franciscan sister who continued St. Damien's work among the lepers of Molokai for over 30 years without ever contracting the disease.”
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