Our Patron Saints
Saint Paul of the Cross
Saint Paul of the Cross was the founder of the Passionist order of priests and is known for his devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ. His meditation of and devotion to the suffering of Jesus influenced his preaching and ministry that converted many souls. He is often portrayed carrying a crucifix and dressed in long black robes with the symbol of the Passionists over his heart. His feast day is celebrate on October 19.
Prayer to Saint Paul of the Cross
O glorious Saint Paul of the Cross, you were chosen by God to profess to all of humanity the bitter sufferings of His only-begotten Son, and to spread devotion to the Passion of Jesus throughout the world.
By your preaching and holy example Jesus converted thousands of sinners through you by bringing them to the foot of the Cross to repent of their sins, thereby obtaining for them His infinite forgiveness and mercy! May Jesus be blessed for His extraordinary grace that was so often made present in your life, and for the many miracles He worked through you for the conversion of souls!
O blessed Saint Paul of the Cross, turning towards you now I ask that from your place with Jesus and Mary in heaven that you may look mercifully upon my poor soul and hear my prayers, and with all of your love humbly present them to Jesus for me.
Obtain for me also a great love of Jesus' suffering, that by frequent meditation on His Passion I may take up my own cross and accept with holy resignation the sufferings that God has permitted in my life. Help me to suffer and to sacrifice in union with Jesus for the conversion of my poor soul, the souls of my loved ones, and for all of humanity. Help me to love Jesus and Mary with all of my heart, and intercede for me that I may, by the grace of God, die a holy death, and come at last to enjoy with you the blessed Presence of Jesus and Mary in Heaven for all of eternity. Amen.
Saint Anne
Saint Anne is the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary and, therefore, the grandmother of Our Lord. Not only is she significant in her relationship to Our Savior, but she is also commended as a saint in her own right for having raised her daughter, Mary, as a devout and holy Jew. Although nothing is factually known about St. Anne, the holy character of our Blessed Mother, Mary, reflects the love and holiness of her parents. We see this in the Bible through Mary's devotion to God, her steadfastness in times of crisis, and the care and love shown to her family. The feast day of Saint Anne and her husband, Joachim, is July 26.
Prayer to Saint Anne
Glorious Saint Anne, filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer, burdened with the weight of my troubles, I come before you and humbly beg you to take the present intention I bring to you under your maternal protection. Ask you daughter Mary to intercede for me and to bring my petition to the feet of Jesus so that He may answer my request. Keep interceding for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the strength and grace of one day seeing my God face to face, and praising Him with you and Mary and all the saints, through all eternity. Amen.
Saint Winifred
Saint Winifred was born in North Wales in the early seventh century and was a descendant of early Welsh kings. Her life story has been woven into legend over the centuries. Her mother's brother was Saint Beuno, a Welsh abbot and missionary who guided Winifred's spiritual life. From an early age, St. Winifred's sole desire was to dedicate herself to God and become a nun. When a nobleman named Caradog sought her hand in marriage, she refused. In a fit of rage, he cut off her head.
According to tradition, a healing spring miraculously burst forth where her head fell. Her uncle, St. Beuno, is said to have restored her life by reuniting her body and head. Later, St. Winifred entered religious life, spending years in a convent at Holywell before moving to the abbey at Gwytherin, where she served as abbess. She dedicated her life to prayer and purity, performing many miracles throughout her lifetime. The feast day of Saint Wi
nifred, virgin and martyr, is November 3.
Prayer to Saint Winifred
O Blessed and Holy Saint Winifred, intercede for me before the Throne of God. Ease my troubles and cure my bodily illnesses. Give me the inspiration and courage to overcome rejections and hardships in my daily life. Amen.