What Is a Patron Saint, What Purpose Do Patron Saints Serve, and How Are Patron Saints Chosen?

Patron saints are chosen as guardians or protectors over specific areas of life.

These can be chosen by people or groups without papal consent simply because the saint’s interest or life experience relates to a group or individual.

The church has, however, chosen many patron saints such as the writer Francis de Sales, who was picked to be the patron saint of writers and journalists.

Angels can also be named as patron saints.