What is a patron saint, and which website can help me the best to write an essay?

Answer 1

Some saints are recognized as patron saints of certain peoples, places, things, and occupations due to circumstances surrounding their lives.

For example:

People: Saint Peter was a fisherman before he became a fisher of men and is the patron saint of fishermen (and popes).

Place: Saint Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland and is the patron saint of Ireland.

Things: Saint Claire was near death and was unable to attend Mass, she turned in the direction of the Chapel. The wall between her and Chapel vanished and she was able to both view the Mass and participate. For this reason, she is the patroness of TV.

Occupation: Saint Matthew the Apostle was a tax collector and is the patron of accountants, bankers, bookkeepers, and, yes, tax collectors .

There are thousands of Catholic Saints. Here are a few helpful websites:

http://www.catholic.org/saints/
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/indexsnt.htm
http://www.catholic-pages.com/dir/saints.asp
http://www.catholic.com/library/mary_saints.asp
http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/faqs.asp
http://www.rc.net/africa/catholicafrica/saints.htm
http://www.rcan.org/bca/saintslist.htm
http://www.angelfire.com/realm/blackcatholics/earlyblacksaints.pg3.html

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

It comes from Pagan patron gods in Ancient Rome. Each city had a patron deity. When Rome moved to Christianity, they replaced this with patron Saints.

Answer 3

www.oca.org has Orthodox saints. A patron saint is the saint you choose to represent you. It is someone that you respect and wish to emulate. You are given the saint name upon Baptism or conversion to the Catholic or Orthodox faith (maybe others).

Answer 4

It is a specific saint that intercedes for the prayers of a particular group of people, usually a church or country. Seeing as how intercession is a Catholic thing the best site is probably:

http://newadvent.org

Answer 5

http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/patron02.htm