Naming your Baby after a Saint

Naming your baby is one of the most important andanimals. He is a patron saint of Ireland, and Dublin in
challenging thing to do before the baby isborn.particular.
According to the Catholic Church, if you name yourGirls
baby after a saint, the saint willintercede and help hisAngela. Six Saint Angelas grace the Catholic Church.
namesake throughout the baby's life. In effect, theOne who stands out is Angela of
saint will be your baby'spatron saint for the rest ofFoligno, an Italian wild child, who eventually saw the
the baby's lifetime. Here is a very brief list of possiblelight and became a visionary and mystic for
saint names foryour next treasured child.God. She was born of a wealthy family in the 1200's,
Boysmarried young, had many children, and wasknown to
Adrian. There are at least ten Saint Adriansbe a wicked woman. In 1285 she had a revelation,
throughout history. One of them was calledand changed her life around,becoming a Christian
Adrian of Nicomedia, who was a pagan andwoman. She was known for her mystic writing, her
bodyguard in the royal court of Nicomedia. He wassocharity and humility; sheis the patron saint of widows
impressed by the courage and faith of the Christiansand against temptation.
being executed, he converted and becamea Christian.Brigid. Saint Brigid of Ireland is one of the patron
He was then arrested by the same court he workedsaints of the Emerald Isle. She wasborn to royalty,
for and executed. He is the patronsaint of soldiersbut refused to marry and instead started a group of
and prison guards and helps intercede against theconvents in Ireland. She lovedto travel and spread
plague. Here is a strong nameto please any man, withGod's word wherever she went. She is highly
several saints to choose from.regarded in Ireland and has acolorful history to read
Benjamin. Saint Benjamin was a Persian who loved toabout. She is the patron saint of Ireland, babies, dairy
preach to the people. He wouldpreach anywhere toworkers, mariners,milkmaids, sailors, midwives,
anyone who would listen. He suffered in jail, wasblacksmiths, poets, travelers, and many other groups.
released, and told not topreach again. But he did, andNaming yourbaby Brigid is a great honor.
was killed for it by being impaled on a stake.Clare. Saint Clare of Assisi is the patron saint of the
Benjamin means 'sonof the right hand'. Benjamins canchurch where I grew up. She wasborn of royalty,
be Benjie when they are young, and Ben as theyand had the opportunity to hear St. Francis of Assisi
mature. It is aname to be be proud of.preach when she got hercalling. She founded the
Christopher. Most Catholics are familiar with the SaintOrder of the Poor Clares and established them
Christopher medal; a picture ofwherever St. Francisestablished the Franciscans were.
St. Christopher carrying Baby Jesus across floodThey depended on charity completely. Her order still
waters to safety. Not much is know about therealexiststoday. She is the patron saint of television,
man, however. He was a third century martyr whoeyes, good weather, and telephones.
helped people cross a dangerous stream,includingElizabeth. There are at least twelve saints named
Jesus. He is the patron saint of many things includingElizabeth. One of my favorites is Elizabeth Ann Seton,
travelers, drivers, epileptics,the founder of Catholic schools in Massachusetts and
Germany, Spain, cab drivers, gardeners, bachelors,Maryland. She came from a strict Episcopalian family,
and watermen. It will never go wrong to nameyourand married a wealthy man. By the time her husband
child after this saint.died, and his business had failed, she was living as a
Drogo. A masculine sounding name with a great storypoor widow with five children to support. To make
behind it. Saint Drogo was Flemish nobility, to gave upends meet, she started the schools, and converted
all his worldly possessions to become a shepherd andto Catholicism. She is the patron saint to help combat
go on many pilgrimages to Rome. He ended his life asin-law problems, widowhood, and the Dioceses of
a hermit, living on water, barley, and the Eucharist. HeShreveport, Louisiana.
is the patron saint of deaf people, orphans,Hermione. A popular name with the Harry Potter set,
shepherds (naturally), ill people, deformed people, andthis is actually the name of a saint, Saint Hermione, a
coffee houses.daughter of Philip the deacon. She was a prophetess,
Francis. You can't go wrong naming your babyand a martyr.
Francis. There are at least forty-five Saint Francis. MyJulia. A beautiful name, there are several saints
favorite is St. Francis of Assisi, a formerly rich andnamed Julia. One was Julia Billiart, the woman who
riotous man, who gave up all his possessions after hestarted the organization called The Sisters of Notre
found God, and founded the Franciscans. He loved toDame, which has a mission to educate Christian girls.
live with the animals and birds and composed musicShe was born in a poor family and dedicated her life
for the glory of God. He worked with lepers and theto learning about her religion and teaching it to other
sick, and sent food to thieves. He is the patron saintwomen. She is the patron saint of poor people.
for all of nature; the birds, the animals, theIf this list intrigues you, consult with a book about
environment and for peace.saints in your local library, or look on line for more
Kevin. Saint Kevin was a bit of an odd duck. Heinformation. There are hundreds of saints to learn
preferred the company of animals to humans, andabout, and names to choose from for all people. Why
many tales are told of miracles to do with animals orname your baby after a soap opera actress or a
birds and the saint. He lived as a hermit and atefavorite perfume? Name your child with a name that
nettles and wore skins. He prayed all day andhas some history, and a chance for a little extra help
founded a monastery. Saint Kevin is a saint worthfrom up above!
looking up just to read about his adventures with