Profiles of Five Catholic Saints
Saint Padre Pio, Bernadette, Christopher, Joan of Arc, and Dymphna
In order to achieve sainthood, a candidate's life must be examined through a process called canonization, usually five to fifty years after his or her death. Evidence of miracles, beatification, and veneration are considered by the Roman Catholic Church, a method established in the 10th century.
Patron saints intercede on behalf of groups, occupations, cities, countries, or specific causes. They serve as protectors and guardians while mediating between heaven and earth.
Saint Padre Pio - Healer and Stigmatic
St. Pio of Pietrelcina, known today as St. Padre Pio, was the first stigmatized priest in Catholic Church history. Padre Pio was ordained to priesthood in 1910, following seven years of religious study. On September 20, 1918, he received the marks of stigmata while kneeling before a crucifix.
St. Padre Pio worked continuously to bring others closer to God. His healings and mystical experiences are renowned, including the gift of bilocation, the blood from his wounds smelling of flowers, and the acute ability to understand the efforts and consciences of confessionists.
Saint Bernadette - Miracle Waters of Lourdes
Born in Lourdes, France, Bernadette was an often sickly child. At the age of fourteen, on February 11, 1858, she had the first of eighteen visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Accused of lying by persecutors, Bernadette maintained her truth with courage.
During one vision of Mother Mary, Bernadette was instructed to dig a hole in the dirt. Water sprang up from the ground, and the hole enlarged throughout the next day. Healing properties and miracles were associated with the water, and millions of people still visit Lourdes yearly to experience its effects.
Saint Christopher - Patron of Travelers
St. Christopher had the occupation of transporting people across a river. He was a large man and reputed to be able to carry substantial loads. According to legend, a small child asked to be brought to the other side of the river. Christopher nearly collapsed due to the boy's heaviness, despite his size.
When they reached the opposite side, the true identity of the child was revealed - it was Jesus, the Christ child, supposedly carrying the weight of the world. Thus, Christopher's name is interpreted as "Christ Bearer." St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers, is often prayed to for safe journeys and protection against storms and plagues.
Saint Joan of Arc - Patroness of Soldiers and France
Joan was born near the province of Lorraine in the peasant village of Domremy. As a young girl, she received divinely guided messages. In May, 1428, a fifteen-year-old Joan of Arc heard the voices of St. Michael, St. Margaret, and St. Catherine. The saints urged Joan to assist the King of France to reclaim his kingdom that was being conquered by the English.
She was given a small army and ultimately led the French to victory through a series of successes. After Charles VII came to the throne, St. Joan was captured in battle, sold to the English, convicted, and eventually burned at the stake as a sorceress. Dying early at nineteen, she was not canonized as a saint until 1920.
Saint Dymphna - Patron of Mental Health
Dymphna was only fourteen when her mother died. Subsequently, Dymphna's father, afflicted with mental illness and dysfunctional grieving, tried to compensate for his loss by substituting other noble woman, even Dymphna herself, as his new wife.
Her father's inappropriate gestures forced her and a couple companions, including St. Gerebernus, to flee her home town. When Dymphna's father found them in Belgium, he had Gerebernus murdered then beheaded a then fifteen-year-old Dymphna himself after she refused to return with him. Dymphna was recognized as a martyr around 620 for her conviction to maintain purity, and miracles have been reported at her burial site in Gheel, Belgium.
Whether you affiliate with the Catholic religion or not, you can still honor and connect with the saints through acts such as prayer, meditation, and visitations to their holy shrines.
Sources:
- Virtue, D. (2005). Guidebook for the Saints & Angels Oracle Cards. California: Hay House.
- Catholic Online: Saints and Angels. Patron Saints, St. Padre Pio, St. Bernadette, St. Christopher, St. Joan of Arc, and St. Dymphna. Retrieved from Catholic.org on 8 July 2009.
- Religious Facts. Canonization of Saints. Retrieved from ReligiousFacts.com on 8 July 2009.
Statue of St. Bernadette, Lourdes
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