Patron Saints of Writing Professionals

“In the Christian calendar, November 1 is the Feast of All Saints, a day honouring not only those who are known and recognized as enlightened souls, but more especially the unknowns, saints who walk beside us unrecognized down the millennia.”

– Mary Rose O’Reilley, The Barn at the End of the World: The Apprenticeship of a Quaker, Buddhist Shepherd

All Saints Day, also known as the Feast of All Hallows, is celebrated by Christians all over the world to commemorate all the saints of the Church. It is a day to honor the sacrifices and contributions of the great men and women who dedicated their lives to the service of mankind. Officially celebrated since the 9^th century, All Saints Day is a day of remembrance.

Many of our saints have served God as well as the people through their writings. These wordsmiths continue to inspire and motivate today’s writers. This All Saints Day, let us remember some of the many patron saints of writing.

St. John the Evangelist

Patron: Saint of Writers

Saint John was the youngest of Jesus Christ’s twelve apostles who attended the Last Supper. He was the first to arrive at the tomb when he heard of Jesus’ resurrection. John worked tirelessly to spread the word of Christ. He built a number of churches all over Asia Minor. His three Epistles and the fourth Gospel all showcase his literary prowess. Known as Saint John the Beloved, he is the patron saint of authors, love, loyalty, and friendships.

St. Francis de Sales

Patron: Saint of Writers and Journalists 

Saint Francis de Sales was a prolific and persuasive writer who used his works to spread the word of God. Born in Savoy, Francis dedicated his life to Catholicism very early in life. He soon became the Bishop of Geneva. This was during a time when more and more people were converting to Protestants under the teachings of John Calvin. Francis de Sales took up his pen and used his words to bring back the people to the Catholic faith without resorting to violence. His Introduction to the Devout Life enjoys widespread popularity. 

St. Brigid of Ireland

Patron: Saint of Printing Presses and Poets

Saint Brigid is highly honored in Ireland. Along with Saint Patrick and Columba, she is one of Ireland’s three national saints. She lived between 451 -52. The founder of the Abbey of Kildare established a number of convents and monasteries. Saint Brigid notably founded an art school in Kildare that became renowned for its illustrated manuscripts. 

St. Augustine of Hippo

Patron: Saint of Printers

Saint Augustine was a renowned theologian and philosopher. Before his conversion to Christianity in 386, he was attracted to Manichaeism and Neoplatonism. After he embraced the Catholic Faith, Augustine of Hippo made great contributions to the Doctrine of Original Sin and Just War Theory. His views and teachings influenced many of the denominations of Christianity. His The City of God, On Christian Doctrine, and Confessions are major Christian works. Considered one of the most important Fathers of the Latin Church, Saint Augustine of Hippo is the patron saint for printers, theologians, and brewers.

St. Columba 

Patron: Saint of Poets and Bookbinders

St. Columba is one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. The Irish abbot and missionary dedicated his life to spreading Christianity, especially in Scotland. Along with the abbey in Iona, he founded a number of monasteries. He was also active in Irish politics. St Columba was a prolific writer who wrote in Latin and Irish. He also transcribed over 300 books, among which, The Book of Durrow and The Cathach have survived to this day.

St. John Bosco 

Patron: Saint of Editors and Publishers

John Melchior Bosco was a change-maker in the 19^th century. The Italian priest dedicated his life to the betterment of children by furthering their education. The patron Saint of Editors and Publishers established a number of orphanages and schools for boys, many of which are still operational now. His Salesian Preventive System is a popular method of teaching even today.

St. Hildegard of Bingen

Patron: Saint of Writers

Hildegard, also known as the Sibyl of the Rhine, was a remarkable woman. The German abbess was a polymath who did not fear anyone. She chided kings and princes whenever she disagreed with them. In fact, she penned over 300 letters to kings and princes with her prophesies. Hildegard had twenty-six visions in her lifetime. Her visions were considered to be bestowed on her by God. The writer, composer, philosopher, mystic, visionary, and medical practitioner is considered to be the founder of scientific natural history in Germany. Also, she is the most recorded composer of monophony in history. St. Hildegard of Bingen is the patron saint of writers, musicians, and ecology.

St. Maximilian Kolbe 

Patron: Saint of Journalists

Maximilian Kolbe was a truly selfless man. Born in 1894, he became a Catholic priest and Conventual Franciscan friar. He dedicated his life to promoting the veneration of the Immaculate Virgin Mary. During WWII, he fearlessly operated an amateur radio station named SP3RN and ran a number of publications. He founded the monastery of Niepolalanow and printed a daily Catholic newspaper. Notably, he willingly gave up his life to save the life of Franciszek Gajowniczek in the Nazi camp of Auschwitz. Known as the Apostle of Consecration to Mary, St. Maximilian Kolbe is the patron saint of journalists, amateur radio operators, political prisoners, families, and drug addicts. Pope John Paul II recognized him as the patron of our difficult times.

Conclusion

Every now and then, we all require divine intervention or at least some kind of motivation to help us get through the long journey of life. This is especially true for those in the writing field. Often plagued by writer’s block, authors are always in need of some inspiration. Who better to motivate us than the saints who made a difference in this world through their words.

This All Saints Day, let us remember the saints who continue to buck us up through their contribution to the writing field.