The feast days of the saints are perfect opportunities to ask their intercession for the good of the Church, especially by praying for young people to be open to their vocations.

 

While every saint in some way exemplifies an aspect of living his or her vocation, the following roster includes saints whose lives inform discernment, prayer for, and encouragement of vocations in a particularly poignant way. During the weeks of these saints’ feast days, consider praying to them and using examples from their lives in your ministry.

St. Agnes, January 21

Saint Agnes of Rome, patron of young girls, chastity and virgins, was martyred on January 21, 304. She was born into wealth, and in her youth was highly sought after by wealthy and powerful suitors; however, she had commited herself only to Jesus. After turning away every suitor and refusing to deny God, she was sentenced to death at the age of 12. May all young people be inspired by Saint Agnes’ total commitment to the Lord in their vocations.

 

St. Scholastica, February 10

Saint Scholastica, patroness of nuns, and sister of Saint Benedict, founded the women’s branch of the Benedictines. It is said that once a year, she and her brother met to worship and discuss theology. May all discerners be so earnest in their pursuit of a relationship with God, and may they encourage their peers to do the same.

 

St. Margaret Clitherow, March 26

Saint Margaret Clitherow, patroness of converts, was drawn to the Catholic Church in England during times of great persecution in the 16th century. She harbored fugitive priests, for which she was martyred on March 25, 1586. May St. Margaret's zeal reach all those whose hearts and minds have been converted to Jesus, especially those called to faithfully live their vocations in trying circumstances.

 

St. Bernadette Soubirous, April 11

Saint Bernadette, patroness of those ridiculed for their faith, was visited by Our Lady of Lourdes, who told her, “I am the Immaculate Conception.” She went on to see the Virgin Mother many times. Many of her neighbors doubted her, and even wanted her committed to an asylum after hearing of the sightings. May we all remain as resolute in our faith as St. Bernadette, seeking to follow God’s call regardless of what others around us think.

St. John of Avila, May 10

Saint John of Avila, patron of secular clergy, was spiritual director to Saints Teresa of Jesus, Francis Borgia, John of the Cross, Peter of Alcantara, and more. Let us pray that our spiritual directors may guide our youth to diligently discern God’s call.

 

St. Justin Martyr, June 1

Saint Justin Martyr, patron of apologists, is a second-century convert who came to Christ after being moved by Christianity’s moral beauty and the truth he discovered in the words of the prophets. He wrote extensively about why he came to believe in Christ after having experienced many different ideological viewpoints. May the truth and beauty of God lead all to know the spiritual and intellectual truth of our vocations.

 

St. Junipero Serra, July 1

Saint Junipero Serra, patron of vocations to Church ministry, established 21 missions throughout California and Mexico and aided the conversions of many natives of the New World to the Catholic Faith. May Saint Junipero intercede on behalf of all those who are called to missionary work.

St. John Vianney, August 4

Saint John Vianney, patron of parish priests, was raised during the French Revolution when Catholics, especially priests, could not openly receive and administer the Sacraments. This inspired Saint John greatly, and he became a parish priest in Ars, France. May Saint John’s love of the priesthood inspire us all, especially those who are called to become priests.

 

Pope St. Gregory the Great, September 3

Pope Saint Gregory the Great, patron of teachers, born around the year 540, was the first monk to become Pope. His writings include numerous revisions of the Liturgy, Gregorian chant, scriptural commentaries, the Book of Pastoral Rule, Dialogues, and countless homilies. May all teachers gain inspiration from Pope Saint Gregory as they work to inspire our youth to grow in Faith and discern their vocations.

 

St. Gerard Majella, October 16

Saint Gerard Majella, patron of lay brothers, was a Redemptorist who worked closely with the poor and counseled religious women. Many miracles were attributed to him, and though he only served as a brother for six years, the process of his canonization began shortly after his death in 1755. May all called to lay religious life be as faithful a servant as Saint Gerard.

 

St. Charles Borromeo, November 4

Saint Charles Borromeo, patron of seminarians, was a leader in the fight against the Protestant Reformation. He was also a leading voice of internal reform in the Church, working to stamp out abuses. Believing that these problems stemmed from ignorant clergy, he established many seminaries and instituted Sunday School classes for the laity. May St. Charles continue to intercede in the formation of our seminarians.

 

St. Francis Xavier, December 3

Saint Francis Xavier, co-patron of foreign missions (along with St. Thérèse of Lisieux), was one of the seven founders of the Jesuit Order. His travels led to the conversion of thousands throughout Africa, India, Japan and the Philippines. May St. Francis Xavier’s continued intercession increase missionary vocations as well as native vocations in mission areas.