As Christ so often urged his followers to serve and help others, it makes sense that quite a few saints served the sick as medical professionals.
For these saints, their medical work was part of their vocation to holiness. Indeed, for most medical professionals, their work is more of a vocation than a job. We saw this in high definition during the pandemic, when medical professionals around the world risked their lives to heal the sick and care for the dying.
Feast of a physician
This month’s feast of the physician St. Luke (October 18) calls to mind these holy men and women (and an angel!) who cared for the health of the body as well as the soul. It’s a day to honor health professionals: nurses, physician assistants, doctors, pharmacists, midwives, and so many others.
As the months grow colder, when people get sick more easily, this feast day is a timely reminder to ask for the saints’ intercession. We might also ask for their guidance when we’re making decisions about healthcare, caring for sick family members, or trying to improve our health.
Besides St. Luke, here are 10 other saints who healed the sick and served as medical professionals. Click on the PHOTO GALLERY below to learn of their stories.
And today we celebrate...