Being a wife and mom has been hands-down my favorite vocation and “job.”
But it has its challenges, as every worthwhile thing in life does. Parenthood can be difficult at times, and it’s normal to ask for help.
It’s common to hear about Catholics praying “to” saints, and if you’re part of a different Christian denomination, you probably think that’s weird and akin to worshipping the saints or even Mary.
But that’s not a true comparison in the slightest: CATHOLICS DON’T WORSHIP THE SAINTS OR MARY. Instead, we see the saints as our friends (and the Virgin Mary as our Mom), as people in Heaven who we can talk to and ask for their intercession.
What does it mean to ask for a saint’s intercession?
(If you know this already, feel free to skip a few lines to the list of saints below.)
Imagine you’re job-hunting and you’re especially interested to work at Fake Company, where your good friend works.
So you call her or invite her to lunch and ask her to “put in a good word” for you at Fake Company.
What Catholics (and admittedly, some non-Catholics) do when we talk to or pray to the saints is just like what one does when networking or asking a friend to put in a good word on their behalf at the company or with the coach/teacher they work with.
We can rely not only on our spouses and relatives for help, but we can also ask the saints for help.
Can’t we pray to God directly? Yes, and we already do that!
But sometimes it’s also really nice to be able to identify with particular saints who may have gone through what we’re going through, and we can ask them for their help with a specific situation that they’re likely more familiar with.
Saints that Can Help Moms
Now that I’ve explained why we talk to the saints, let’s get to the ones that can help you in your vocation as a Catholic stay-at-home mom.
These are several canonized saints who can inspire us moms, offering guidance and intercession as we navigate the challenges and joys of our vocation:
- St. Gianna Beretta Molla: St. Gianna was an Italian pediatrician, wife, and mother who is known for her deep faith and commitment to life. She is a patron saint of mothers, physicians, and unborn children. Her story of selflessness, even to the point of sacrificing her life for the sake of her unborn child, can be a source of inspiration for us, and it certainly inspired me when I was pregnant with our second living child. I asked for her intercession often (along with that of a few other saints), thinking that as a doctor and a mom, she could pray for the baby and me.
- St. Zélie Martin and St. Louis Martin: This married couple are the parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and they are the first married couple to be canonized together. Their life as devout parents who raised five daughters, all of whom entered religious life, showcases the holiness of family life and the vocation of parenthood.
- St. Monica: St. Monica is a patron saint of mothers and is known for her perseverance in prayer for the conversion of her son, St. Augustine. Her example of steadfast faith and prayer in the face of challenges can encourage mothers in their role as spiritual guides for their children.
- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was a wife, mother, and the first native-born American saint. She founded the first Catholic school in the United States and is a patron saint of Catholic schools and homeschooling parents.
- St. John Paul II: Although not a parent himself, St. John Paul II had a deep devotion to the family and wrote extensively on the topic. He can be an excellent source of guidance through his teachings on the dignity of marriage and the family.
- St. Joseph: As the earthly father of Jesus and the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph is a powerful intercessor for fathers and husbands. Young stay-at-home moms can pray to St. Joseph for guidance in their family life and for the protection and well-being of their husbands and children.
- Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati: Although not yet canonized, Blessed Pier Giorgio is a modern example of a young person who lived his Catholic faith with great zeal. His dedication to service, prayer, and friendship can inspire young mothers to integrate their faith into their daily lives and interactions.
Bonus: Cora Louise Evans is someone I talked to often during my pregnancy as well. Because she’s from Utah (though not yet a Saint or even a Blessed either), I felt a distinct kinship with her and thought she’d be a nice friend to have. Her story’s fascinating and her books look so intriguing.
And of course, the Virgin Mary: Her son died for our sins so she knows exactly what it feels like to outlive one’s child. That makes her someone I pray to/talk to daily and ask for her help as I parent our kids. I specifically ask her to continue praying for their good health and development, and so they and my husband have a good day. (<< Feel free to borrow that prayer and make it your own!) I often imagine her dealing with the same struggles I do when, for example, our toddler has a normal tantrum and I picture Jesus throwing tantrums too. I don’t doubt she was wholly patient with him, and I ask her to pray for some patience for me too :).
Do You Thank The Saints?
If you ask the saints for their intercession, please remember to thank them! I admit I have to remember doing this more often. They’re doing us a huge favor and it’s just a nice thing to do for those who help us.
These saints offer different aspects of inspiration and intercession that can be valuable for young Catholic stay-at-home moms.
Whether it’s seeking guidance in parenting, finding strength in prayer, or growing in holiness within the vocation of motherhood, these saints can be wonderful companions on our journey, and I hope you’ve ben inspired to add any or all of them to your “arsenal” of best friends.
What other saints do you consider your friend and ask for their intercession?