A part of our Catholic faith is knowing that we don’t have to wing this life on our own. Saints are our friends, through thick and thin, and flu season can be pretty thin.
Here are the ten best saints to help you survive:
1. Saint Raphael
This mighty archangel's name comes from the Hebrew for "God heals."
Added to this gift of healing, he is also known for giving guidance, which can come in handy when trying to avoid flu-infested venues.
He's the patron saint of clothmakers, and who doesn't appreciate a cozy blanket and fluffy socks during flu season?
He was known for helping the poor and sick (his name means "good man" in Latin), and I'm sure he'd be happy to intercede for you, too.
3. Saint James the Greater
This patron saint of pharmacists does not mess around!
He and his brother (St. John the Evangelist) were called "sons of thunder" by Jesus for their zesty discipleship.
He was the first apostle to be martyred (which is why he is "the Greater"), and his prayers are sure to assist you through the medicine aisle.
4.
He is an author of scripture, and more importantly for you, he was St. Paul's physician.
If the flu bug gets you despite all your prayers, ask him to help your doctor help you.
St. Luke also accompanied St. Paul in his suffering, so we can presume he had a good bedside manner.
4. Saint Martha of Bethany
When you're coughing and sneezing and your throat's on fire, you need soup and you need St. Martha! Her cooking was good enough for Jesus (the ladle is one of her symbols), and she witnessed the raising of her brother Lazarus.
Asking for her prayers can only make all those liquids you need to consume taste better.
5. Saint Vitus
If you're stuck in bed or on the sofa, this patron of entertainers is the guy to have around.
After all, frittering away time is much easier while watching movies and binging on shows. Maybe he'll even give you an idea for a sock puppet play!
Books, magazines, and internet articles are essential for combating the flu, and this saint is the one who rocks the writing world!
Ask this erudite yet loving Frenchman to help you find reading material, and you won't be disappointed.
7.
Also known by his Latin name St. Honoratus, he's the saint who makes life sweeter.
He's the patron of bakers and confectioners, and a pastry here and there is a necessary salve for healing. Trust me.
8.
There's a reason one of the best children's hospitals in the world is named for this miraculous saint! He's the confirmation saint of a guy I know who has survived all kinds of terrible illnesses and maladies.
If you just can't shake the flu, it's time to start a novena to this saint of the impossible.
9.
Father Christmas is sure to make things better, even if only to bring some cheer your way while you're accumulating tissues like a squirrel storing nuts.
Besides, this patron of many causes is also the patron of distillers. If a hot toddy helped grandma, a hot toddy with St. Nicholas' prayers is a no-brainer.
Bonus: Saint Anne
She is the Blessed Mother's mama, which kind of makes her our grandma. And who can beat grandma at making you feel better?
Who's your favorite saint when you're sick? Let me know in the comments!
