Patronage
Patron Saints of Martyrs
The Catholic Church venerates 19 saints as patrons of martyrs. 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. Aetherius
Feast: December 25“St. Aetherius is recognized as a martyr of the early Church.”
St. Agenoria
Feast: January 30“St. Agenoria is known for her steadfast faith and martyrdom during the persecution of Christians.”
St. Anastasia
Feast: December 25“A Roman martyr who was known for visiting and caring for imprisoned Christians.”
St. Andrew Dung-Lac
Feast: November 24“A Vietnamese martyr who courageously defended his faith during a time of persecution.”
St. Apollinaris
Feast: July 20“Early bishop and martyr who played a key role in the spread of Christianity in Italy.”
St. Apollonius
Feast: April 18“A Christian martyr known for his defense of the faith during the Roman persecutions.”
St. Blandina
Feast: June 2“Blandina is known as a martyr who stood steadfast in her faith, enduring horrific torture without renouncing Christ.”
St. Edith Stein
Feast: August 9“A Jewish philosopher who converted to Catholicism, became a Carmelite nun, and was martyred at Auschwitz.”
St. Febronia
Feast: February 16“She is venerated as a virgin martyr in the Christian tradition.”
St. Joan of Arc
Feast: May 30“The Maid of Orleans”
She led the French army to several important victories during the Hundred Years' War and was later martyred at the young age of 19.
St. Jonas
Feast: March 29“St. Jonas is known for being a saint and martyr in the early Christian Church.”
St. Julia
Feast: April 8“Martyrdom for her Christian faith during the persecution of Christians in North Africa.”
St. Margaret Clitherow
Feast: March 25“Margaret Clitherow was a laywoman and martyr recognized for her unwavering commitment to the Catholic faith during the English Reformation.”
St. Perfectus
Feast: April 15“St. Perfectus is recognized as one of the early martyrs of the Christian faith during the Roman Empire.”
St. Rufinus
Feast: July 10“Rufinus is venerated as a martyr and saint who died for his faith during the early Christian persecutions.”
St. Sabina
Feast: August 29“St. Sabina is known for her martyrdom and her unwavering faith in the face of persecution.”
St. Simeon
Feast: February 18“He is known for being the first Christian martyr in Jerusalem.”
St. Symphorian
Feast: August 22“St. Symphorian is known for his unwavering faith in the face of persecution and his inspirational martyrdom.”
St. Teresa Benedicta
Feast: August 9“A Jewish convert to Catholicism who became a Carmelite philosopher and was martyred at Auschwitz.”
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