Martyrs and Patron Saints There are two categories of saints: martyrs and confessors. Many Patron Saints are referred to as Christian martyrs. A martyr is one who is murdered or put to death for his Christian faith or convictions. Many Christian martyrs and Patron Saints suffered cruel and torturous deaths like stoning, crucifixion, and burning at the stake. The word 'martyr' comes from the Greek word translated "witness." Martyrdom is the result of religious persecution. The first known Christian martyr was Saint Stephen as recorded in the Acts 6:8–8:3, who was stoned to death for his faith. Popular Patron Saints The most popular of the Patron Saints are St. Saint Adrian, St. Andrew, St. Anthony, St. Augustine, St. Barnabas, St. Bartholomew, St. Benedict, St. Bernard, St. Bonaventura, St. Boniface, St. Bridget, St. Catherine, St. Cecilia, St. Christina, St. Christopher, St. Clare, St. David, St. Denis, St. Elmo, St. Francis of Assisi, St. George, St. Gregory, St. Ignatius Loyola, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. John the Evangelist, St. Lucy, St. Luke, St. Margaret, St. Mark, St. Martin, St. Mary Magdalen, St. Matthew, St. Michael the Archangel, St. Nicholas, St. Patrick, St. Paul, St. Peter, St. Philip, St. Roche, St. Stephen, St. Theresa, St. Thomas, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Ursula, St. Vincent and St. Vitus. Prayers of Patron Saints Prayers are considered more likely to be answered by asking a Patron Saint for intercession on their behalf. |