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For most of us, 2021 was definitely not an easy year. Not to mention 2020… So what would you say about asking for a special heavenly supporter for 2022? Everyone should have a patron saint they can count on!
The Second Vatican Council teaches about the saints:
Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness. […] They do not cease to intercede with the Father for us, as they proffer the merits which they acquired on earth through the one mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus. […] So by their fraternal concern is our weakness greatly helped.
By learning about the lives of the saints and cultivating devotion to them, we train our minds and hearts to be fixed on the things above, the things of heaven!
Choose a saint like St. Faustina did
In the congregation of St. Faustina, the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, there is a tradition of drawing a patron saint for the new year on the 1st of January. What does this custom look like? Let’s listen to Sister Faustina herself:
There is a custom among us of drawing by lot, on New Year’s Day, special Patrons for ourselves for the whole year. In the morning during meditation, there arose within me a secret desire that the Eucharistic Jesus be my special Patron for this year also, as in the past. But, hiding this desire from my Beloved, I spoke to Him about everything else but that. When we came to refectory for breakfast, we blessed ourselves and began drawing our patrons. When I approached the holy cards on which the names of the patrons were written, without hesitation I took one, but I didn’t read the name immediately as I wanted to mortify myself for a few minutes. Suddenly, I heard a voice in my soul: “I am your patron. Read.” I looked at once at the inscription and read, “Patron for the Year 1935 – the Most Blessed Eucharist.” My heart leapt with joy, and I slipped quietly away from the sisters and went for a short visit before the Blessed Sacrament, where I poured out my heart. But Jesus sweetly admonished me that I should be, at that moment, together with the sisters. I went immediately in obedience to the rule.
Draw your saint!
We have decided to offer you the same beautiful experience as the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy have – just use this simple form below. After revealing the patron saint you’ll be able to read a little bit about him/her – don’t miss it!
Prayer to your patron saint
Don’t forget to talk with your patron saint often during the next year. You can use this prayer, to ask for his/hers special care and support:
O great Saint [insert name here], under whose patronage I have placed myself, obtain for me grace to fulfill the holy resolutions I have made this day. Help me, by your powerful intercession, to lead a life conformable to the sacred character I have received, and to imitate the virtues for which you were so remarkable. Protect me through all the perils of life, and abandon me not at the hour of death. Amen.
And today we celebrate...