Hey, bachelors! Here’s a saint for you

Born in the 10th century to a poor family, Guido of Anderlecht led a simple life as a farmer. Guido had a deep relationship with God. There is even a story that says angels would sometimes direct his plow so that he wasn’t distracted during prayer.

While he was a devout single man, Guido didn’t pursue religious life or marriage. He left his life in God’s hands. He did what he could to help the poor and needy of the community, while living in poverty himself.

He also hung around the church a lot, something that caught the eye of the local priest. Guido was there so often that the priest made him the parish sacristan. He was given the task of sweeping the church, taking care of the vestments, and decorating the altar with flowers.

Guido was the sacristan for most of his life, until a merchant tricked him into investing in a trading venture. The first shipment of the new enterprise sank in the harbor. Guido saw the episode and as an act of God, and went on pilgrimage to Rome in spirit of repentance. He then traveled to Jerusalem and helped pilgrims there before returning home.

St. Guido is known as the patron saint of bachelors since he lived the single life, not professing any public vows in a religious order and never getting married. Other intercessors for bachelors are St. Benedict Joseph Labre, St. Luke the Evangelist, St. Roch and St. Theobald.

Here is a prayer for a single person that focuses on recognizing God’s presence in your life and asking God to guide you along the right path.

Eternal God, from my mother’s womb you have known and loved me more than I can ever know.I ask for the courage to live a holy life, that your hand guide my decisions and that your mercy be extended when I seek my own glory instead of yours.I ask for the wisdom to know your will for me, and like Our Blessed Mother, I ask for the strength to say yes.May I find you in every person I meet, and may my life so shine forth your goodness and love that each person may be led to you through Jesus, your Son, who is Lord, forever and ever. Amen.