When it comes to concerns for our health and the health of our loved ones, we should always turn to prayer. We pray for disease prevention, for physical healing, and for peace of soul while enduring physical suffering. Fortunately, there seems to be a special saint for just about every illness and health concern we can think of!
The saints are great aids to us in our time of need and help guide us to greater love for Christ through our crosses and trials, especially when it comes to our health. Here is a list of both popular and not-so-well-known saints to invoke for common ailments. You can also browse our full collection of Catholic gifts for healing and the sick to find meaningful items for yourself or a loved one in need.
- Addictions – St. Maximilian Kolbe
- Arthritis – St. Alphonsus Ligouri
- Babies, Infants, Children’s Health – St. Philomena
- Back Pain – St. Gemma Galgani
- Breast Cancer – St. Agatha
- Broken Bones – St. Stanislaus Kostka
- Burns – St. John the Apostle
- Cancer – St. Peregrine. Those facing cancer may find comfort in our patron saints for cancer collection, including the St. Peregrine Cancer Healing Decade Rosary and the Comforting Palm Cross & St. Peregrine Healing Card.
- Chronic Illness and Suffering – St. Lidwina of Schiedam
- Cramps, Abdominal Pain – St. Erasmus of Formiae (St. Elmo)
- Diabetes – St. Josemaria Escriva
- Epilepsy and Seizures – St. Vitus
- Eye Disorders – St. Lucy
- Head Injuries – Blessed John Licci
- Headaches – St. Teresa of Avila
- Heart Disease, Heart Attack – St. John of God
- Impossible Causes – St. Jude Thaddeus
- Infections – St. Agrippina of Mineo
- Infertility, Miscarriage, Childbirth – St. Gerard
- Kidney Disease – St. Benedict
- Lung and Respiratory Problems – St. Bernardine of Siena
- Obesity, Stomach Ailments – St. Charles Borromeo
- Pain, Suffering, Healing – St. Pio of Pietrelcina
- Skin Disease – St. Anthony of the Desert
- Stress, Anxiety, Mental Health – St. Dymphna. Explore our St. Dymphna devotional collection for those struggling with anxiety and depression, including the Catholic Guide to Depression & St. Dymphna Rosary Gift Set.
- Strokes, High Blood Pressure – St. Andrew Avellino
- Surgery – St. Luke the Evangelist
- Throat Ailments – St. Blaise
- Toothache, Dental Problems – St. Apollonia
- Wounds – St. Rita
You can find information, medals, prayer cards, and devotional items for many popular saints using our helpful Patron Saint Index here.
When a loved one is seriously ill, the Catholic tradition also offers the beautiful rite of Anointing of the Sick. Read about the Catholic tradition of Sick Call Sets and how to use them — a meaningful way to prepare your home for this sacrament. For those caring for elderly loved ones, St. Jeanne Jugan is a powerful intercessor; learn more about St. Jeanne Jugan, patron saint of the elderly and destitute.
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All you holy men and women, pray for us!
This article has been updated and was originally published in June 2014. © The Catholic Company. All rights reserved.
