The saints are our intercessors in heaven! Their prayers for us are powerful, especially when we ask a special patron to intercede on our behalf. Here is a list of 9 patron saints of education for your homeschool or school classroom (and 1 bonus Marian apparition for parents and catechists)!
How can I honor patron saints of education?
Here are 6 ways to honor and get to know a special patron saint of education with your students:
- Pick a special patron saint of education for your homeschool or classroom, and invoke his or her intercession daily. Display a photo or statue of him or her in your classroom, and end your prayers with St. __________, pray for us!
- Attend Mass on his or her feast day – maybe make a special pilgrimage to a nearby parish or shrine dedicated to them
- Pray the Divine Office on his or her feast day.
- Celebrate his or her feast day with a special meal, craft, or treat
- Read a book or watch a video about the saint
- Study the historical period and geographical location of a particular saint
- Create your own saint lesson plan with this guide.
Patron Saints of Education
1. St. Don (John) Bosco
Patronage: School Children
Feast Day: January 31
St. Don Bosco is a great patron for students and educators. He is the founder of the Salesian order and was known for educating the poor. Here is a prayer he composed to Our Lady, Help of Christians.
2. St. Gemma Galgani
Patronage: Students
Feast Day: April 11
St. Gemma was an Italian mystic who had an immense love for Our Lord. You can learn more about St. Gemma here, and in her diary here.
3. St. Joseph of Cupertino
Patronage: Students
Feast Day: September 18
St. Joseph of Cupertino was a Franciscan Friar, a mystic, and he was known to levitate during Mass! Read about his incredible story here.
4. St. Thomas Aquinas
Patronage: Universities and students
Feast Day: January 28
St. Thomas Aquinas (know for his brilliant work, the Summa Theologiae) is a Doctor of the Church. He was a master theologian who also wrote beautiful hymns. What an amazing saint to honor in your classroom and inspire your students! You can also learn more about St. Thomas Aquinas in this classic biography.
5. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Patronage: Catholic schools and teachers
Feast Day: January 4
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is the first American-born saint. She hails from New York, and founded the Sisters of Charity. She is a convert to the Catholic faith and is responsible for establishing the Catholic school system in the United States. How awesome would it be to take a field trip to her shrine in Maryland? And, listen to her Glory Story on the way!
6. St. John Baptist de La Salle
Patronage: Educators
Feast Day: April 7
St. John Baptist de La Salle was a priest who was passionate about improving education in schools. He gave a way his entire fortune and lived a life of poverty, instructing poor boys in Rheims. Learn more about his remarkable life here.
7. St. Charles Borromeo
Patronage: Catechists and Catechumens
Feast Day: November 4
St. Charles Borromeo was a key participant in the Council of Trent, and he was also a lead figure who contributed to the Catechism of the Council of Trent (an in-depth summary of the council). He also eventually became a cardinal. Catechists can ask for his intercession before, during, and after their catechism and religious education classes. He is also an excellent role model for catechumens. Read more about his incredible life here.
8. St. Robert Bellarmine
Patronage: Catechists and Catechumens
Feast Day: September 17
St. Robert Bellarmine was a Jesuit priest, cardinal, professor, and is now a Doctor of the Church. Read more about his life and accomplishments here.
9. St. Carlo Acutis
Patronage: Computer Programmers and Youth
Feast Day: October 12
St. Carlo Acutis is a modern-day saint! Every student uses a computer or some type of technology nowadays. In addition, his holiness and devotion to the Eucharist are extremely powerful and inspiring. Be sure to share his website all about Eucharistic miracles with your students, and check out his amazing Glory Story (with actual audio from his life!) here.
BONUS: Our Lady of Champion
Feast Day: October 9
Our Lady of Champion is the only approved Marian apparition in the United States. Her message to Adele Brise in Champion, Wisconsin was “Gather the children in this wild country and teach them what they should know for salvation. . . . Teach them their catechism, how to sign themselves with the Sign of the Cross, and how to approach the sacraments.” All catechists and parents should definitely take this message to heart! Holy Heroes has lots of excellent resources to spread devotion to Our Lady of Champion. Here is a link to the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion in Wisconsin.
Our Lady of Champion, pray for us!
All you holy men and women, pray for us!
This article originally appeared on amazingcatechists.com on Oct 7, 2024, and was updated on August 25, 2026.
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