Saints & Spirits
Praying to Holy Saints is a traditional christian practice. The requests for intercession on the petitioners behalf is made to one’s patron saint (a saint that is the intercessor and advocate in heaven on behalf of a skill, trade, circumstance, family, class, nation, place, etc). Some believers may only pray to the Virgin Mary, Jesus, or just God. There is no one right way, each person has their personal technique or what is traditional in their family. Some Saints prefer particular offerings of food or gifts, while other Saints will accept a simple white candle and a glass of water. In the Catholic Church, a small coin or dollar amount donation is given, you light your candle to the Saint and make your prayers. If you have a particular patron saint, you will learn what is asked of you for an offering.
Spirits, whether they are Loas, Orishas, ancestors, or other spirits, they are called upon for favors and special circumstances. Foods, drinks, and other offerings can be made in payment or as a simple honoring ceremony to your special spirit. We don’t always need to call spirits for favors, sometimes a simple hello and thank you is nice. 🙂
Below is a list of Saints and Spirits that have been used for special requests. The simplest way to begin working with a Saint is to find the one that is patron over your skill, craft, trade, hobby, etc. Working with Saints should be a simple and straight forward method. Choose your preferred Saint, read their story, and find their feast day/s. Studying a Saint’s image and history can help you with setting up your altar to them and finding the right offerings to give your Saint. A simple candle and water is just as efficient and will be appreciated!
St. Anthony- finds lost items, keys, returning lost lovers, patron of the poorSt. Joseph- pay raise, getting a job, home affairs, home sales, passage to easier death, patron of fathers and husbands
St. Barbara- protector of death and battles, cuts through obstacles St. Expedite- helps bring faster results in emergency situations
St. Christopher- protects travelers St. Francis of Assisi- protects animals St. Clare/Clair- guides one to wisdom and light St. Raymond Nonnatus- protects against foes and gossipers, protects unborn children, patron of midwives and expectant mothers
St. Anne- mothers, childbirth, grandmothers Infant of Prague- protects children St. Philomena- infants, babies, children St. Gerard- pregnancy, motherhood, unborn babies
St. Dymphna- mental illness, rape victims, survivors St. Martha- protection, used to keep a man faithful, domination St. Jude- works impossible cases, cancer, addiction
Mary Magdalene- perfumers, penitent women, hairstylists, pharmacists, apothecaries St. Peter- opens doors, businesses St. Thomas Aquinas- study, students, college St. Brigit- protects babies, children, travelers, scholars, sailors
St. Isidore the Farmer- agriculture, farming Santo Nino de Atocha- for help releasing prisoners falsely accused and imprisoned St. Benedict- protector from witchcraft, illness, sickness, heals the sick Our Lady of Guadalupe- the blessed virgin- blessings, love, healing, protection St. George- soldiers, horsemen, defender, butchers, field workers, armourers, cavalry, diplomat
St. Rita- infertility, abuse victims St. Martin de Porres- help with the sick, social justice issues St. Martin Cabarello- growth in business, business owners, luck, money Holy Family- peace, loyalty, family St. Helena- widows, divorcees, difficult marriages St. Lucy- writers, poets, journalist, healer of hemorrhages and eye diseases St. Sophia- wisdom, enlightenment, students St. Michael the Archangel- an angel not a saint, but used to defend and battle, protector from evil, foes, demons, healer, fights battles, negotiations, paramedics
St. Raphael the Archangel- protection from nightmares, patron of the blind, eye disorders, doctors, pharmacists St. Gabriel- messengers, communication and information workers, broadcasters, television producers, radio, postal service