A Saint for Every Occasion

Got a headache? Earache? A bum knee? If so, this article might be of use to you. A couple weeks ago, the Times of London ran an online article called “Top 50 Saints for Sickness.” It’s a fun little who’s who list of saints to ask for a little intercessory help when you aren’t quite feeling your best. Here are some of my personal favorites:

27. For earache pray to St Polycarp of Smyrna . A second century martyr, Polycarp is said to have predicted he would be burned to death, after dreaming of a pillow in flames. When cast into the fire, the 86-year-old bishop was said to have glowed golden like baking bread.

30. For hangovers, pray to St Bibiana , a 4th century Roman scourged to death. In the garden of the church built over her grave, a herb grew which was reputed to cure headaches and epilepsy.

36. Bad knees? St Roch is your man. Born in 1295 with a birthmark on his chest in the shape of a red cross, St Roch was said to be able to cure plague victims by making the sign of the cross. In the 15th century, public processions were held in his honour in Constance during an outbreak of plague, which according to legend, subsequently ceased.

39. The patron saint of migraine sufferers is St Gereon known as the “Golden Saint”. He was a soldier who was beheaded in 4th century Cologne for refusing to sacrifice to pagan Gods to ensure victory in battle.