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Patron Saint Medals: A Guide to Choosing and Wearing Them
The Church honors many saints who have lived exemplary lives of holiness and service to God and his people. These saints are given the title of patron for different aspects of life, such as occupations, locations, causes, and conditions. Wearing a medal with the image of a patron saint is a common practice among Catholics who want to show their devotion and ask for the saint’s intercession.
A patron saint medal is more than just a piece of jewelry. It is a symbol of your Catholic identity and a reminder of your heavenly friend. But how do you choose which saint medal to wear? There are various aspects to consider, such as your affinity with the saint, your hopes and needs, your style and resources, and the choices and quality of the medal. Here are some ideas to help you select and wear a patron saint medal that will enhance your faith journey.
One thing to think about is your relationship with the saint. You might have a patron saint that relates to your name, your sacramental name, your birth date or celebration date, or your cultural or ancestral heritage. You might also have a favorite saint who has similar passions, activities, gifts, or challenges as you. For instance, if you are a firefighter or respect their bravery and dedication, you might want to wear a firefighter necklace with a medal of St. Florian or St. Michael, who are patrons of firefighters.
Secondly, you should consider your needs and intentions. You might want to wear a patron saint medal that reflects your current situation or goals in life. You might also want to wear a medal that represents an area where you need more help or grace from God through the intercession of the saint. For example, if you are suffering from an illness or caring for someone who is sick, you might want to wear a medal of St. Peregrine or St. Camillus de Lellis, who are patrons of cancer patients and nurses respectively.
Another aspect to think about is your style and resources. You might want to wear a patron saint medal that satisfies your preference and personality. You might also want to wear a medal that fulfills your cost and quality requirements. There are many varieties and designs of patron saint medals available in different materials, sizes, shapes, and colors. You can choose from gold, silver, pewter, bronze, enamel, wood, or plastic medals. You can also choose from round, oval, square, heart-shaped, cross-shaped or star-shaped medals. Some medals have extra features such as engraving, gemstones, chains, or clasps.
