Patron Saints of Writing Professionals

Since joining the Catholic Church in 2007, I find myself turning more and more to the saints as examples and inspiration in my daily life. As a mom, I’ve looked for saints can pray for me during pregnancy and childbirth; as a wife, I’ve looked for saints who can support me in my marriage. As a writer, editor and blogger, I find inspiration in these patron saints of writing professionals.

The Catholic Church recognizes several patron saints of writing professionals such as journalists, poets, editors and others involved in the publishing industry. These saints may inspire today’s wordsmiths by their example and offer their intercession for those suffering writer’s block or seeking inspiration.

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St. Brigit of Ireland

St. Brigit (or Brigid) of Kildare is the Patron Saint of Printing Presses and Poets. She lived from 451 to 525 in Ireland, knew St. Patrick, and founded a convent and two monastic institutions. She also established a school of art at Kildare that became famous for its illuminated manuscripts. Her feast day is February 1.

Brigid also is said to have been very bashful and modest. Yet she shared her gifts, time, and knowledge freely with those in her monastery and beyond. She provides a good reminder to smile, engage, and trust the Holy Spirit when we are placed in unfamiliar social settings. ~ Melanie Rigney, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration

St. Francis de Sales

St. Francis de Sales is the Patron Saint of Writers and Journalists. He lived from 1567-1622 in France. He became a priest at the age of 26 and began writing leaflets (which he copied by hand) on the teachings of the church. He wrote numerous books, including Introduction to the Devout Life (1608). His feast day is January 24.

St. John Bosco

St. John Bosco is the Patron Saint of Editors and Publishers. He lived from 1815-1888 in northern Italy and was a fan of St. Francis de Sales. He is well-known for founding orphanages and schools for boys (many of which still bear his name). He also taught the boys trades, including how to run a printing press. His feast day is January 31.

St. Columba

St. Columba is the Patron Saint of Poets and Bookbinders. He lived from 521-597 in Ireland and Scotland. He transcribed over 300 books and two of these, The Book of Durrow and a psalter called The Cathach, still exist. He wrote other compositions in both Latin and Irish. His feast day is June 9.

St. David of Wales

St. David is the Patron Saint of Poets. He was a Welsh priest and bishop who died around 589. Little is actually known about him, beyond legend, although he was a missionary who established several monasteries and is credited with several miracles. His feast day is March 1.

St. Augustine of Hippo

St. Augustine is the Patron Saint of Printers. He lived from 354-430 in North Africa. He is well-known for his sinful early years and his mid-life conversion. He studied philosophy in Carthage, became a priest and bishop in Hippo, and was a prolific writer. His best-known works are The Confessions of St. Augustine and The City of God. His feast day is August 28.

St. Genesius of Rome

St. Genesius is the Patron Saint of Printers. He was martyred by the Emperor Diocletian in about 303. He was a comedian or actor who performed a play mocking Christians, but when he pretended to be baptized on stage, he had an actual conversion experience. His feast day is August 25.

St. John of God

St. John of God is the Patron Saint of Booksellers and Printers. He lived from 1495-1550 in Portugal, Spain and North Africa. He worked for a time selling religious pictures and books, and preaching about what he sold, to earn a living. His feast day is March 8.

Each of these saints has a unique connection to books, words, and writing. They supported and encouraged those who write, produce and sell books. They lived hundreds of years ago, but their life and work can still inspire writers, editors, booksellers, and other writing professionals today.

Do you have a child who enjoys writing and would be inspired by one of these saints? Check out Choosing Your Child’s Patron Saint by Ginny Kochis, a helpful toolkit that will guide you as you choose the right saint for your child’s interests, temperament, and talents!

What patron saints of writing professionals inspire you in your work?