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.

Related patronages

Not sure which saint walks closest to you? The quiz matches your temperament against 480+ saints in about two minutes.