KnightoftheRose said:
Tishrei,
Thanks for your post!
I've only got one more question really - just something that I've been wondering about for some time...
Is the practice of having or praying to a patron saint widespread? I've asked a couple Catholics before if they had one, and they either looked puzzled or like I was retarded. Is it something of an archaic practice, or does it have a place in the modern world?
Hi Knight
Thanks again for your questions.
I must admit, I haven't got a specific patron saint for myself, although I do pray to them and Mary in particular who we consider the greatest of the saints. When I went through the sacrament of Confirmation back in primary school, all of us got to choose a specific saint whose name we took on as our confirmation name. However, this practice also varies according to the country or region you come from. The saint that I chose was St. Augustine of Hippo, but I don't remember ever praying to him, which is rather neglectful of me. I think Catholics (especially the older ones) tend to pray to specific saints who are the patron saint of a specific object or form of assistance rather than having a single patron saint for themselves. For example, St. Jude Thaddeus, one of Jesus' apostles is known as the patron saint of hopeless cases such as shipwrecked sailors. However, this is not as popular today as it was in the past. On the other hand, there are those who are obliged to honour and follow specific saints, for example, those specifically consecrated to Mary, or who may be in a religious order with a particular saint as their founder such as St. Ignatius of Loyola for the Jesuits, St. Dominic for the Dominicans, St. Francis for the Franciscans and more recently St. Josemarie Escriva for Opus Dei.
After Vatican 2, the whole Roman Liturgical Calendar was revamped to refocus on Jesus and the primacy of the Sunday Mass over and above the Feasts of the Saints. However, the Feasts of Mary and the more important saints have been retained. Prior to Vatican 2, when all masses were said in Latin, to the non Latin speaking laity I think that praying the various devotions to the saints must have been a way to stay focused during mass. So there would have been greater enthusiasm towards patrons at the time. However, today, there are still patron saints and the celebration of their feasts and solemnities depending on the region and the importance of the saint. For example, the Patroness of Australia is 'Our Lady Help of Christians'.
With respect to your question about the saints having a place in the modern world, I think that it doesn't hurt to have a spiritual role model to imitate. There is a lot that can be learned from their lives and writings, not to mention the fact that they were often martyrs of the faith who went through cruel executions. I also think that they can be a great comfort for those who are sick or dying.
So, in summary, the practice of having a patron saint or praying to one is not as widespread or popular as it was before. However, the church still holds them up to be our role models to imitate, especially Mary. Also, the 'Communion of Saints' is still in the Nicene Creed which we recite each Sunday during the Mass. So they are still an integral part of our beliefs.
Thanks again.
Tishrei