10 Saints To Help You Survive Your Family Christmas
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Maybe you're going to Aunt Gertrude's, and you can't wait to see all the family you haven't seen for a year, except for that one cousin. Or maybe it's time for a gathering at Mom's and you'd rather stay in bed because you and your sister have an uncanny ability to still fight like you did in junior high. Or maybe it's your turn to have that holiday meal with your in-laws, and all their traditions are still foreign to you.
Family gatherings are infamous for swirling the worst with the best in people, like an ice cream twist gone bad. Along with your side dish and bottle of wine, be sure to bring some heavenly friends to stick by you through it all.
1. Saint Louis IX
Known for avoiding war and conflict, he's the patron saint of difficult children and large families. He's fair, and he wants what's best for everyone.
If you dread having to sit next to Cousin Bob, ask Saint Louis IX to give you a hand with diplomacy and to keep you away from battle lines.
2. Saint Bernadette
If your religious views draw ire from relatives, you'll definitely want St. Bernadette by your side.
Her parents initially didn't believe her vision of the Blessed Mother, and some people thought she was crazy.
If you're worried that going to Grandma's will subject your faith to a night of nitpicking, call on this patron saint of those ridiculed for their faith.
3. Saint Christopher
Not much is known about this ancient saint, but his name means "Christ bearer."
He was thought to be giant in stature and steadfast in love. People have been asking for his assistance in their travels for centuries!
He's certain to help you get where you need to be with all the love you need to carry.
4. Saint Scholastica
This twin sister of St. Benedict has a gift for praying against storms, literal and figurative. She also understands the ups and downs of sibling relationships, even in the best of circumstances.
When she didn't like what her brother was doing, she prayed, and she'll help you do the same.
5. Saint Hilary of Poitiers
One of the few married bishops of the early Church, he used his time in prison to study and become a more effective teacher and preacher.
He will help you make the best of a bad situation, as well as intercede against illnesses—which all too often crop up with all the festivities of the season.
6. Saint Timothy
This young friend of St. Paul the Apostle gets what it's like when people look down on you because of your age, and he also is compassionate with those whose stomachs get in an uproar.
He'll help you find your voice in dinner conversations and keep tummy troubles at bay.
7. Saint John Nepomucene
He was a young Czech prince who was martyred for his faith, and he is your protector against slander and indiscretion.
When emotions are high, it's easy to get carried away with what we say. He's sure to help you think before you speak and to communicate with prudence.
8. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
She was widowed with five children, and her conversion to Catholicism caused a scandal among family.
She is sympathetic to suffering, especially to in-law problems. She is sure to come quickly to your aid when you feel like you just can't take it anymore.
9. St. Rita of Cascia
Family reunions, big and small, would be perfect if it weren't for people.
Sometimes peace around the dinner table seems impossible, and unfortunately some things—loss of job, impending divorce, death in the family—can make time with family especially desperate.
St. Rita will stand by your side and pray for the miracles your family needs.
10. St. Francis of Assisi
It's easy to see why this saint is a favorite around the world, even among non-Catholics. He turned his hedonistic life around to follow Jesus and help others.
Gentle, compassionate, and a peacemaker, he's also a patron saint of families.
He wants your family to thrive and will help you in every way he can.
Who is your favorite saint to help you keep the love in family gatherings?
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