Patron Saints Of The Military (Plus Patrons For Particular Branches & Services!)

There’s nothing quite like seeing someone say goodbye to a spouse, family member, or friend in uniform at the airport.

A long, silent hug. A gentle wave. A tearful goodbye at the parting of ways.

One chin lifted bravely, a heavy bag flung over a shoulder—while the one left behind gives an encouraging smile and walks slowly back to the car.

At each goodbye, another prayer is lifted up: “Lord, keep them safe!”

Whenever I witness a scene like this, my heart aches. The men and women who serve in their country’s military, and those whom they love, make huge sacrifices. Both of my parents served in the U.S. Navy, and I can only imagine what those goodbyes were like.

While we can, and always should, ask God for our own protection and the protection of our loved ones, you may not know that the military has its own set of heavenly patrons!

There are even special intercessors for particular branches of the United States military or even for particular jobs associated with the military. I've pulled together some research so that you can find these patrons in one place. Enjoy!

General Patron Saints for the Military

St. Ignatius of Loyola

These are some of the most common patrons for the military:

• St. Michael the Archangel - Read about St. Michael's special connection to the military.
• St. George - Read St. George's exciting tradition.
• St. Ignatius of Loyola - Read about St. Ignatius's military conversion.
• St. Joan of Arc - Learn about St. Joan's journey from peasant to general.
• St. Sebastian - Read about St. Sebastian's military mission.

Patron Saints for the U.S. Military

Several branches of the U.S. Military have adopted these saints as their specific patrons. Many countries have their own particular patrons.

• United States Army
  • St. Sebastian
  • (Army Rangers) St. Andrew
• United States Army Special Forces
  • St. Philip Neri: "St. Philip Neri was selected as the Patron Saint of Special Forces because he embodied the traits of the ideal Special Forces Soldier: Selfless, Superb Teacher, and Inspirational Leader. "
• Unites States Infantry:
  • St. Martin of Tours
  • St. Maurice
• United States Air Force
  • St. Michael
  • St. Joseph Cupertino - Read about St. Joseph of Cupertino's levitation.
  • Our Lady of Loreto
• United States Navy
  • St. Nicholas - Learn St. Nicholas facts and legends.
  • St. Brendan - Find St. Brendan's story and prayer.
• United States "Sea Going Services" (US Navy, US Coast Guard, US Marines, and US Merchant Marines)
  • St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
• United States Marine Corps (and artillerymen)
  • St. Barbara: "Because of her connection with lightning, people often call upon St. Barbara for protection against thunder, lightning, and accidents involving explosions or gunpowder. This is why [Marine] artillerymen have an annual event to celebrate and give their thanks to this patron saint."

Special Military Patrons

A few organizations related to the military service have a patron as well:

• The Red Cross
  • St. Camillus de Lellis (Read about St. Camillus and the founding of the Red Cross.
• Prisoners of War
  • St. Joan of Arc
• Military Chaplains
  • St. John of Capistrano
• Military Engineers
  • St. Barbara
• Military Physicians
  • St. Luke

May God bless our military, and all their friends and family! If you're looking for a gift of gratitude to give a service member or their loved ones, you can search our thoughtful military gifts collection or our selections for particular US military branches!

Are you, or is someone you know, in the military? Are there certain saints that you turn to on their behalf?

Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!