For centuries, we have called upon our patron saints knowing that they will be our advocates and provide us strength. The exemplary lives of the saints serve as examples to us. Having a special saint to call on for each of our needs gives us hope, encouragement and protection. Our handmade porcelain portraits help to keep your patron saint close to you.
   These pieces were illustrated by Monica Wyrick.
   Each piece is composed of  fine grained, translucent porcelain clay.  The intricate designs consist of slip glazes fired into the porcelain, then each piece is finished to a satin touch. They are approximate 1 3/8 by 7/8 inch.  Each oval pendants has with a 32 inch black rayon cord and is individually packaged in a velvet-like box with a card describing the symbolism of the design (click on image).

Our Lady of Guadalupe Patron of the America’s In 1531, Juan Diego was hurrying to mass in Mexico City when the Blessed Virgin, calling herself “Our Lady of Guadalupe”, appeared to him. She instructed him to build a temple where she stood. The Bishop, not believing Juan, told him that he needed a sign. The Blessed Virgin instructed Juan to gather roses and take them to the Bishop. Juan did, and upon opening his cloak to release the roses, the image of Our Lady appeared inside the cloak just as Juan had described her. The shrine built there has been a pilgrimage sight ever since.
Saint Andrew - (died 1st century) Patron of Scotland, Russia and fishermen As an apostle of Jesus, St. Andrew spread his word throughout Asia Minor and Greece and was eventually crucified on a diagonally shaped (saltire) cross. Some of St. Andrew's remains were brought to Scotland for safekeeping. King Angus of Scotland prayed to St. Andrew for help during a battle. A white cloud appeared in the sky in the form of a saltire cross. When Angus won the battle, he declared St. Andrew the patron saint of Scotland.
Saint Anthony - (circa 1195-1231) Patron of lost objects, things that are hoped for and the poor Saint Anthony left his wealthy family in Portugal to become a poor Franciscan priest. He shipwrecked on his way to evangelize and joined other brothers living in a cave in San Paolo near a monastery. There, he became a legendary speaker, attracting crowds wherever he went. Legend says that even fish would gather to hear him speak. St. Anthony is one of the most beloved of all saints.
Saint Brendan - (circa 460-577) Patron of sailors and mariners St. Brendan the Navigator was born in Ireland. He founded the well known Clonfort Monastery and is believed to have traveled throughout Ireland, Scotland, Brittany and Wales spreading the word of God. He is largely known for the tales of his travels found in the medieval manuscript “Voyage of Saint Brendan” in which he and a group of monks traveled the seas, some say even to the America’s!
Saint Brigid - (circa 453-523) Patron of Ireland and babies St. Brigid was born to an Irish Chieftain. She always had a charitable nature and so became the first Irish nun, starting convents throughout Ireland. Her wish was to relieve the hardships of the poor. She is known for the simple cross which she is believed to have woven for a dying pagan chieftain to illustrate the Christian faith. St. Brigid’s cross is commonly hung in Irish homes to bless them.
Saint Cecilia - (died circa 117) Patron of Musicians, singers and poets Cecilia was born to an important family in Rome. She is said to have been fond of singing divine praises accompanied by her gold harp. Cecilia promised her virginity to God, but her parents promised her hand in marriage to a wealthy man. While the music of her wedding played, Cecilia was “singing in her heart a hymn of love for Jesus, her true spouse.” She succeeded in converting her husband and both of them were martyred for their beliefs.
Saint Christopher - (died circa 251) Patron of travelers St. Christopher was a powerful man who had the job of carrying travelers across a river. When a small child asked to be carried, Christopher lifted him onto his shoulders. With each step the child became heavier until Christopher thought he might drop the child, but he struggled to the other side. It was then revealed that the child Christopher carried was the Christ Child carrying the weight of the sins of the world.
Saint Clare - (circa 1194-1253) Founder of the Poor Clares, Patron of eye disease St. Clare was the first female follower of St. Francis of Assisi. She embraced the Franciscan ideal of poverty and founded the Order of the Poor Ladies which became known as the Poor Clares. This organization is still active throughout the world today. Clare was humble, charming and courageous. Once, when her convent was under attack by the Saracens, Clare stood at the gates holding up the blessed sacrament. The attackers were overcome with fear and fled.
Saint David - (circa 542-601) Patron of Wales St. David, also known as Dewi, was born in Wales. As a monk, he founded many monasteries throughout Wales. According to legend, David was preaching to a great crowd in Jerusalem when a dove perched on his shoulder to show that David was blessed by the spirit. The earth then rose underneath David to lift him up high so that all present could hear him speak. His feast day, March 1st is celebrated by wearing a Welsh leek leaf or flower.
Saint Fiacre - (died circa 670) Patron of gardeners, florists and cab drivers St. Fiacre developed a special skill for gardening while being raised in a monastery in Ireland. Soon after he was ordained, Fiacre moved to France where Bishop Faro granted him a large lot of land to garden. He grew a beautiful variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs. With the herbs and his healing hands, Fiacre was able to cure all manner of disease. The Bishop declared Fiacre’s garden to be a miracle and it became a pilgrimage site for those seeking healing.
Saint Francis of Assisi - (circa 1181-1226) Patron of animals, the environment and Italy St. Francis was born in Italy. He was a wealthy man but was always sympathetic to the poor. St Francis believed that he was told by God to rebuild the Catholic Church. He did this by founding the order of the Franciscan brothers and nuns based on a foundation of merciful works, helping the poor and respect and love for all of God’s creations. Legend says that Francis was able to speak to the animals, thus his patronage of animals.
Saint George - (died circa 304) Patron of Greece, England, equestrians, boy scouts and soldiers St. George, a Christian born in Israel fought bravely for the Roman army until the Emperor began to persecute Christians. George left to join the Army of Christ. He was tortured and beheaded, but inspired many conversions. The most famous story of St. George is when he saved a village in Libya from a ferocious dragon that was devouring their sheep and children. George killed the dragon and the King rewarded George with many riches which he immediately gave to the poor.
Saint Gerard - (circa 1725-1755) Patron of motherhood, pregnant women and childbirth Born in Italy, Gerard’s father died when he was only 12, leaving the family in poverty. He became a Monk, dedicating his life to the needy. Gerard possessed an extraordinary wisdom and was said to have powers of prophecy and healing. Throughout his short life, he performed many miracles and seemed to have special powers to help mothers in need. Prayers to St. Gerard have helped so many women in labor, that he is known as the “patron saint of happy deliveries”.
Saint Joseph - (died 1st century) Patron of fathers, carpenters, those who fight for social justice and of those who battle with doubt Everything we know about St. Joseph comes from scripture. He was a descendant of King David of Israel. He was a hard working carpenter. Joseph was a compassionate and caring man who was often visited by angels. Angels told him the truth about the child that Mary was carrying and Joseph married her without question. He was a loving and devoted foster father to Jesus. He is noted for his unquestioning willingness to always do whatever God asked of him.
Saint Jude - (died 1st century) Patron of lost or impossible causes and hospitals Saint Jude (a.k.a.Thaddaeus) was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He was the brother of St. James and St. Simon and the cousin of Jesus. He is usually pictured with a flame above his head to represent his presence at Penecost. He preached the gospel in Africa, the Middle East and into Asia, where he was martyred. His patronage of lost or impossible causes is due to a letter he wrote in the New Testament which stresses that the faithful should persevere, even under desperate circumstances.
Saint Michael Patron of police, soldiers and all protectors St. Michael is one of three archangels who is believed to be closest to God. Devotion to Michael is common to Christians, Muslims and Jews. He is traditionally pictured with the Latin, “Quis ut Deus”, meaning “who is like God” on his chest. As a warrior, Michael led the battle against the angels who rejected God to follow the fallen Lucifer. The knights of the Middle Ages invoked St. Michael as their patron.
Saint Patrick - (circa 387-461) Patron of Ireland St. Patrick was the son of a prominent Roman family in Scotland. At the age of 16 he was kidnapped and taken to Ireland. After years as a slave, Patrick escaped only to return to Ireland. He traveled across the country for the next 30 years preaching and baptizing the Irish people. St. Patrick used the three leaves and single stem of Ireland’s shamrock flower to explain the Holy Trinity. Legend is that St. Patrick drove the snakes from Ireland!
Saint Peregrine - (circa 1260-1345) Patron of cancer patients and sick people Born to an anti-catholic family, St. Peregrine was converted as a youth. He joined the Servants of Mary and became a powerful preacher of the gospel. An open sore on his leg was diagnosed as cancer and he was to have the leg removed. The night before his surgery, Peregrine prayed before the crucifix. He had a vision of Christ reaching from the cross and touching his leg. In the morning his leg was completely healed. Peregrine continued his good works for 25 years after he was healed.
Saint Sebastian - (died circa 288) Patron of athletes and soldiers Saint Sebastian was a favorite officer in the Imperial Roman Army. During the persecution of Christian’s, Sebastian helped, healed and comforted the Christians in prison. He converted many soldiers. As punishment for his faith he was tied to a tree, shot with arrows and left for dead. But he survived and returned to preach again. He was then beaten to death. He is associated with athletes because of his physical and mental strength and endurance.
Saint Therese - (circa 1873-1897) Patron of Missionaries, flower growers and AIDS patients Born in France, St Therese became a Carmelite nun at the age of 15. Because of her faith and simplicity she is known as the “Little Flower”. She pioneered the ideal of the “little way”, fidelity in the small thing and complete trust in God. Before she died at the early age of 24, she told her friends to pray to her and she would answer them with a shower of roses. Many people believe that after you pray to St. Therese you will see or smell roses.