Heavenly Host: Choosing Your Professional Patron
One of the many treasures of the Catholic Church is the communion of saints. Sinners pursuing virtue just like us, these men and women provide a personal connection to the heavenly realm. In Lumen Gentium, Pope Paul VI explained how, “Just as Christian communion among wayfarers brings us closer to Christ, so our companionship with the saints joins us to Christ.”
For some of us, we were named after these holy men and women. And for most of us as sacramentalized Catholics, we chose a patron saint at our confirmation. As Pope Paul articulated, these saints are faithful companions through our personal pilgrimage to eternity. But if you haven’t invited a particular saint to be the patron of your business, consider this your sign!
If you don’t know who to choose or where to start, ask yourself, the Holy Spirit, (and maybe your employees!) these questions.
What are the goals for your business?
Is it global expansion? Is it enriching your local community? With a quick list of your goals, you’ll likely find trends in your aim. Chances are, there are saints who excelled in these things before you.
What are your professional struggles?
Is there a particular area of disconnect or persistent roadblock? Consider finding a saint who struggled with something similar, or who has a knack for helping folks with that issue.
Still uncertain about your professional patron? Ask the internet.
While thoughtful, human-centered discernment is ideal, the internet can be a helpful resource if no saintly candidates emerge as a good fit. This article from Catholic Professionals and another from Busted Halo might help.
Divine inspiration.
Saints were people like us. They had families, places of origin, habits and homes. They had charisms, fears, patterns of sin, and strength in virtue. Each one, as unique as each of us, provides a particular roadmap to heaven.
Does your business demand the weather conditions to cooperate?
Consider St. Clare of Assisi, patron of good weather.
Are you in the business of banking?
St. Matthew is the patron of accountants and bankers.
Maybe you’re in tech.
Invite soon-to-be saint Carlo Accutis to intercede for you!
Connecting with these holy humans invites us to stand in thin places, where the veil between the material and divine becomes more transparent. As business leaders, you have a unique opportunity to invite the intercession of a member of the heavenly host to oversee your company, request particular graces, and offer personal protection. May you be inspired by the Spirit, strengthened by Christ, and supported by your community!
For some of us, we were named after these holy men and women. And for most of us as sacramentalized Catholics, we chose a patron saint at our confirmation. As Pope Paul articulated, these saints are faithful companions through our personal pilgrimage to eternity. But if you haven’t invited a particular saint to be the patron of your business, consider this your sign!
If you don’t know who to choose or where to start, ask yourself, the Holy Spirit, (and maybe your employees!) these questions.
What is the mission of your company?
There’s a patron saint for just about everything. Start with the plain and simple details. What line of business are you in and what is the purpose of your company? What is your mission statement? Start by making a list of what we might call the ‘obvious’ choices, then dive a little deeper.What are the goals for your business?
Is it global expansion? Is it enriching your local community? With a quick list of your goals, you’ll likely find trends in your aim. Chances are, there are saints who excelled in these things before you.
What are your professional struggles?
Is there a particular area of disconnect or persistent roadblock? Consider finding a saint who struggled with something similar, or who has a knack for helping folks with that issue.
Still uncertain about your professional patron? Ask the internet.
While thoughtful, human-centered discernment is ideal, the internet can be a helpful resource if no saintly candidates emerge as a good fit. This article from Catholic Professionals and another from Busted Halo might help.
Divine inspiration.
Saints were people like us. They had families, places of origin, habits and homes. They had charisms, fears, patterns of sin, and strength in virtue. Each one, as unique as each of us, provides a particular roadmap to heaven.
Does your business demand the weather conditions to cooperate?
Consider St. Clare of Assisi, patron of good weather.
Are you in the business of banking?
St. Matthew is the patron of accountants and bankers.
Maybe you’re in tech.
Invite soon-to-be saint Carlo Accutis to intercede for you!
Connecting with these holy humans invites us to stand in thin places, where the veil between the material and divine becomes more transparent. As business leaders, you have a unique opportunity to invite the intercession of a member of the heavenly host to oversee your company, request particular graces, and offer personal protection. May you be inspired by the Spirit, strengthened by Christ, and supported by your community!
