There are many patron saints. Some make total sense; others are more unusual. Did you know there are patron saints of unattractive people, motorcyclists, and comedians?

This begs the question: How did these saints become associated with their “fields of expertise”? And isn’t the concept of a patron saint too similar to the Greek and Roman deities and their various specialties?

Let’s explain.

Why do we invoke the saints for particular things?
Saints are “assigned” certain tasks because they have some affinity for them. Saint Monica is the patron of mothers because she suffered the heartbreak of having her son, St. Augustine, turn away from God. After many maternal prayers, he returned. So, mothers can look to her as one who understands the pain of wayward children.

St. Thomas Aquinas is the patron saint of universities, and we know he taught at the University of Paris. St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals, a fitting title for a man who preached to birds.

Saints don’t receive their specialty because they have sole providence over certain fields. St. Thomas can still intercede for your injured dog and St. Francis for your upcoming exam.

Do Catholics make the saints too much like pagan gods?

The teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas hold a preeminent place in Catholic theology — some would say third only to Scripture and the Church Fathers. Dozens of popes have viewed him as a model of the faithful, rational theologian.

Where did St. Thomas derive his amazing insights? Obviously, God gifted him with an incredible intellect. Scripture and Aristotle's writings played a huge role. But we also need to look to the Angelic Doctor’s little-known teacher, who was also a saint.

St. Albert the Great (c. 1206–80) was a German Dominican friar and theologian who possessed a sharp mind that rivaled his more famous student. He left behind writings that share St. Thomas’ inclination to use the power of the mind — along with a devout faith — to understand the natural world and God’s divine revelation.

Here are a few facts about St. Albert the Great.

The Blessed Mother purportedly appeared to him — more than once!
The first time, she asked him to join the Dominican Order. The second time, he was struggling with theological studies and resolved to leave the order. After gently reprimanding him for not seeking her help, she opened his mind to better comprehend the mysteries of theology.

When you hear the word “pilgrimage,” you probably think of international destinations such as Jerusalem, Mexico City, or the Vatican. But there are actually dozens of pilgrimage sites in the United States that are definitely worth checking out!

Here are seven worthy contenders.

1. Philadelphia
The City of Brotherly Love is so full of pilgrimage sites that we decided to make the city itself a destination. St. John Neumann, C.Ss.R., is buried in the National Shrine named after him. St. Katherine Drexel is interred at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Then there’s the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia, the Miraculous Medal Shrine, and many more. You may want to plan a whole week in Philadelphia to see them all!

2. Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine, Oklahoma City
If you’ve never heard of Blessed Stanely Rother, no worries. Many Catholics haven’t. He was an Oklahoma-born priest and missionary who was martyred in Guatemala in 1981. In addition to housing the remains of this heroic priest, the shrine includes a museum showcasing his life.

3. Shrine of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, St. Charles, Missouri
St. Rose Philippine Duchesne was a French missionary who brought formal education and a zeal for sharing the love of God to the Missouri frontier. Visitors to her shrine can pray before her burial site and view many of her possessions. Note that tours are available by appointment only.