Patron saints of Europe
The Catholic Church venerates six patron saints of Europe.[1][2][3][4] The main patron saint is Benedict of Nursia.[5] Cyril and Methodius, Bridget of Sweden, Catherine of Siena and Teresa Benedicta of the Cross are co-patrons.[6]
Saint Hedwig of Poland could be somewhat indirectly considered a patron saint of parts of Europe. In 1997, Polish-born Pope John Paul II canonised Poland's 14th-century queen regnant Jadwiga as Saint Hedwig, the patron saint of queens and of European unification. From the time of her death, Jadwiga was venerated in Poland as a saint, having been buried in the Wawel Cathedral. She has been considered a model of piety, constancy and faithfulness. Numerous stories and legends were told of her charity and devotion to God.[7]
References
- ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on November 20, 2014. Retrieved September 13, 2014.
- ↑ http://www.isidor.se/ccreurope/en-gb/patrons.aspx
- ↑ http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/commentandblogs/2012/07/25/why-edith-stein-makes-an-excellent-choice-for-patron-saint-of-europe/
- ↑ http://www.catholicireland.net/patrons-of-europe/
- ↑ http://montecassinoabbey.org/?p=4039
- ↑ http://www.isidor.se/ccreurope/en-gb/patrons.aspx
- ↑ "talismancoins.com". talismancoins.com. 1 September 1939. Retrieved 2012-01-01.