Saint medals are staples in the lives of those who practice the Catholic faith. They venerate holy figures and offer the protection of powerful saints. The saint medal one chooses to wear will offer unique protections based on the works of the saint during his or her life. Understanding the meanings of the most popular saint medals can help you choose the perfect protector for you or your loved ones. Each medal has a different significance. This is part two of a three-part series on the meanings of the most popular saint medals.
St. Sebastian
St. Sebastian is the patron saint of athletes and archers. Medals with St. Sebastian often depict him as a martyr, tied to a tree and getting shot with arrows during Diocletian’s (the Roman emperor) persecution of Christians. He is a “champion of Christ and guardian of the heavens,” or an athleta Christi. St. Sebastian is a symbol of strength and courage in the face of adversity. The Catholic faith attributes protection of athletes to St. Sebastian, as well as the gifts of stamina and perseverance.
St. Thérèse L.F.
St. Thérèse Lisieux Little Flower is credited with remarkable spiritual accomplishments during her 24 years of life. Born in Alençon, France, St. Thérèse L.F. was a Carmelite nun who lived a pious life before passing away from tuberculosis. She had visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus and was the youngest person the Pope has ever designated a doctor of the church. Wearing a St. Thérèse L.F. medal reminds people to live a life of simplicity and to bloom wherever God has planted them. St. Thérèse is the patron saint of aviators, florists, and missionaries, and the protector of many causes, including protection against sicknesses.
St. Andrew Patron Medal
St. Andrew the Apostle was one of the disciples closest to Jesus. He is called the first Apostle. According to Scripture, St. Andrew was the disciple who told Jesus about the boy with the loaves and fishes (John 6:8). He was also in Simon Peter’s boat and attended the last supper. He was crucified for baptizing the wife of a Roman governor. As a patron saint, St. Andrew offers protections to fishermen and singers. Wearing a St. Andrew patron medal can bring luck and safety.
St. Anne Medal
St. Anne is the Blessed Virgin Mary’s mother and Jesus’ grandmother. Although the Bible doesn’t mention Anne, other religious books acknowledge her as Mary’s mother and say she and Mary’s father, Joachim, had trouble bearing children until the angel Gabriel appeared and said they would have a child who they must dedicate to God. She is the patron saint of childless couples and married women. Wearing a St. Anne medal is said to bring the wearer grace, peace, and fertility.
St. Barbara Medal
The St. Barbara medal is a popular choice for miners and field artillerymen. She was a Christian martyr, the extremely beautiful daughter of a pagan named Dioscorus. Dioscorus protected her by locking her up in a tower, where she spent her days admiring God’s creations. She secretly became a Christian and dedicated her life to God. Ultimately, Barbara was tortured and beheaded for her faith. She offers protection (especially from lightning and fire) and the hope of a “good death” to wearers.
St. Florian Medal
St. Florian is the patron saint of firefighters and floods. A St. Florian medal is a great gift for firefighters, said to give them courage and protect them even in the most dangerous situations. St. Florian became a saint for refusing to obey commands to persecute Christians. St. Florian was tortured and put to death by drowning, but did so calmly as a child of God. He became the patron saint of firefighters because he was the leader of a Roman fire brigade.
St. Francis of Assisi Medal
St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals, the environment, and traders. St. Francis of Assisi could allegedly speak to animals, and saved a town from a vicious wolf. He was a Catholic friar, deacon, and preacher. He is a popular patron saint for pet owners, who pray to St. Francis of Assisi for protection over their pets. Wearing a St. Francis of Assisi Medal is believed to offer protection for animals and the natural environment.
St. George Medal
St. George was a Palestinian soldier under Roman emperor Diocletian. He was put to death for refusing to give up his Christian faith. He is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and the patron saint of England. St. George is known for his strength and courage, even in the face of death. Wearers can evoke St. George’s name in battles – both physical and otherwise – for protection.
If you are interested in purchasing a saint medal to protect you or someone you love, McVan, Inc. offers a great selection of these choices and more. Visit our collection and place an order today! Catch up by checking out the first post in this series or jump ahead to third installment of this series.