Questions / Mary and the saints

What is a patron saint?

Church teaching

Answered on video by Catholic Answers

Video: Why Have a Patron Saint?, Catholic Answers Live, published Jun 7, 2017. Checked 10 October 2026. Loads from YouTube (privacy-enhanced mode) only when you press play. Watch on YouTube

In short: You get your name at Baptism, and a patron saint gives you a role model and a friend who prays for you. CCC 2165

The answer, in writing

Church teaching

In Baptism a Christian receives his name in the Church, and the patron saint provides a model of charity and the assurance of his prayer. CCC 2165

Our words

A patron saint is like a big brother or sister in the faith. Look yours up; you might find a friend you didn’t know you had.

Watch another on this

Play video: 1 Timothy 2:5 Explained: One Mediator Between God and Man, Catholic Answers, from Catholic Answers Live, 8 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

If there is one mediator, why ask saints to pray?

Play video: Why Do Catholics Pray to the Saints?, Ascension Presents, from Ascension Presents, 8 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

Why do Catholics pray to saints?

Next step: Meet the saints

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Related questions

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Sources on this page

How we know · 1 Catechism paragraph

1. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 2165 (official text on vatican.va).

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