Protective Saints and Healers: Find a Miracle
“ And another angel came, and stood on the altar, having a golden censer; and they gave him much incense, that he might offer it, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar which is before the throne. » – Revelation 8:3
Catholics believe that prayers made to saints are very powerful.
We actually don't pray to the saints (that would be a form of idolatry), but we ask for their intercession, just as you might ask a family member to pray for you.
Now that you know this, we are going to introduce you to five saints who are well known for their healing aids.
Contents :
Saint Jude (patron of desperate causes)
Saint Dymphna of Geel (patron saint of depression and mental illness)
Saint Peregrine (patron of cancer and healing)
Saint Maximilian Kolbe (patron of outbuildings)
Saint Lydwine (patron saint of those suffering from chronic pain)
Saint Jude (patron of desperate causes)
Saint Jude (also known as Jude Thaddeus) was one of the 12 apostles chosen by Jesus.
He is a Catholic religious figure who is little known, and who would undoubtedly benefit from being cited in more masses.
Not much is known about the life of this saint, but his intercession for certain seemingly hopeless causes is said to be very powerful. The medal of Saint Jude (which you will find here) is one of the most popular objects of piety.
In the history of the Churches, such a mass has thus been able to bring therapeutic graces, while such a procession has protected cities from the plague.
His feast day takes place on October 28.
Prayer for the intercession of Saint Jude
Most Holy Apostle, Saint Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors you and invokes you universally to find hope in desperate causes.
Please intercede on my behalf.
Use this special privilege bestowed upon you to bring hope, comfort, and help where it is most needed.
Come to my aid in this moment of great need so that I can receive consolation and help from heaven to be able to work on meeting my challenges, especially (make your request here).
I praise God with you and all the saints forever.
I promise, blessed Saint Jude, to always keep in mind this great favor, to always honor you as a special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage your devotion.
Amen.
Saint Dymphna of Geel (patron saint of depression and mental illness)
Saint Dymphna of Geel is an Irish saint with an unfortunate fate. She was killed by her own father, who went mad with grief after the death of his beloved wife.
A true martyr, she is a Christian figure of piety in suffering, of beatification in the greatest adversity.
If the Virgin Mary and her Sacred Heart are synonymous with absolute spiritual purity, Saint Dymphna shows holiness in trials.
His worship brings charity and reminds us that nothing justifies our sins. Anyone who prays to her finds in her a very strong ally.
Saint Dymphna of Geel is celebrated on May 15.
Prayer for the intercession of Saint Dymphna
Good Saint Dymphna, great miracle worker in all afflictions of spirit and body, I humbly implore your powerful intercession with Jesus and Mary, in my current need (mention it).
Saint Dymphna, martyr of purity, patroness of those who suffer from nervous and mental afflictions, beloved child of Jesus and Mary, pray to them for me and obtain my request.
Saint Dymphna, Virgin and Martyr, pray for us.
Amen.
Saint Peregrine (patron of cancer and healing)
Saint Peregrine was an Italian monk whose leg was affected by a growing tumor.
One night, when a surgeon was about to amputate it, Saint Peregrin was seized with terrible fervor in front of a crucifix. He was then miraculously healed.
Of the list of miracle-working saints, he is undoubtedly the most “practical”. Monks from monasteries and parishes often refer to it when dealing with everyday health concerns.
Burns, warts and other benign skin diseases are thus a “playground”.
His feast day is celebrated on May 4.
Prayer for the intercession of Saint Peregrine
O great Holy Pilgrim, you have been called “The Mighty” and “The Wonderful” because of the many miracles you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you.
For so many years, you have carried in your own flesh this cancer which destroys the very fiber of our being.
You resorted to the source of all grace when the power of man could no longer do anything for you.
You have had a vision of Jesus coming down from his cross to heal your affliction.
Ask God and Our Lady for the healing of the sick whom we entrust to you.
(Pause here and silently recall the names of the sick people you are praying for)
Helped in this way by your powerful intercession, we will sing to God, now and for eternity, a song of gratitude for his great goodness and mercy.
Amen.
Saint Maximilian Kolbe (patron of outbuildings)
He was killed at Auschwitz after volunteering to take the place of a prisoner who had been sentenced to be locked in a bunker and starve to death.
How can we better apply ecclesiastical virtues ?
The great saints are definitely protectors, but also guides. Saint Maximilian courageously led his companions in bad luck through prayer and song.
When the Germans opened the bunker a few days later, they were stunned to find him still alive.
He eventually received a lethal injection. It was only after the liberation that the beatification of this merciful saint was recorded.
August 14 is the day dedicated to him.
Prayer for the intercession of Saint Maximilian Kolbe
Saint Maximilian Kolbe, your life of love and work for the souls of men was sacrificed in the midst of the horrors of war.
Look with compassion on [person's name] who is now trapped in addiction and for whom I now rely on your powerful intercession.
You offered your own life to preserve that of a father.
I now turn to you with confidence, trusting that you will understand and help.
Offer me the grace to never withhold my love, and to not fail in persevering prayer so that the enslaving bonds of addiction can be broken and full health can be restored to this person I love.
I will never stop being grateful to God who helped me and heard your prayer for me.
Amen.
Saint Lydwine (patron saint of those suffering from chronic pain)
Saint Lydwine is a Dutch saint who was injured in a fall while ice skating.
As a result of her injuries, she was bedridden for the rest of her life and endured excruciating pain.
However, she accepted this suffering calmly and prayed constantly during her many years of agony.
Saint Lydwine is celebrated on April 14.
Prayer for the intercession of Saint Lydwine
Saint Lydwine, in your sufferings you have known the weight of the cross.
Please pray for all those who are overwhelmed in life.
Teach us by your example to never waste a drop of pain, but to “offer” it in turn with love and courage to our Lord, who patiently suffered for us.
Amen.
Conclusion
Saint Benedict, Saint John, Saint Thérèse, Saint Anthony: the list of protective and healing saints could still be long. The miracle workers and intercessors form an important part of the catechism that we could not summarize in a simple article.
With your reading today, however, you have a (very) good basis.
Praying with the saints can be effective.
There are particular mentions in the Church of cases of miraculous healings and astonishingly rapid recoveries.
Receiving a blessing doesn't just happen to others, and the angels may be closer to you than you think.
However, it is in bringing us hope and reminding us to never forget God's immense love that these prayers usually prove most helpful.
Let's also point out something else. As stated before, it is never the Saints who care for us and offer us grace, but rather God himself.
We must never forget that.
If you want to discover more about the miracle-working saints and some of their prayers, here is an article that will help you know which other saints to pray against illness.
