The most difficult thing to maintain is relationships. For a smooth running, we may struggle a lot. For better relationships, especially, the relationships in the family, we can get heavenly assistance. There are many saints whose patronage includes relationships — good, bad, or otherwise.
These holy people lived exemplary lives of service to God. Many of these saints selflessly prayed for their spouses or protected the sanctity of marriage, despite the challenges of married life.
St. Raphael the Archangel
Patron of those Seeking a Spouse
Raphael is one of seven archangels. His patronage as a matchmaker is a reference to the Book of Tobit in the Old Testament, where Raphael arranges a marriage. Raphael accompanied Tobiah, the son of Tobit, disguised as a man named Azariah. Raphael helped him through his difficulties and taught him how to safely enter marriage with Sarah. Tobiah said that Raphael was directly responsible for meeting his wife and that he gave joy to Sarah’s parents for driving out the evil spirit in her.
St. Adelaide of Burgundy
Patron of Second Marriages
St. Adelaide was a princess whose husband was Lothair II, the king of Italy. When he died of poisoning, she re-married the Holy Roman Emperor Otto the Great. The Empress was very beloved by her people, as she was particularly devoted to the care of the poor. When her second husband died, she became a nun and dedicated herself to a life of prayer in an Alsatian convent.
St. Gengulphus,
Patron of Difficult Marriages
Devout St. Gengulphus had an unfaithful wife but was unwilling to publicly shame her with a divorce. As a result, even though they needed a separation, he lived out his life as a monk in his castle in Avalon. Despite his incredible charity towards her, she conspired with her lover to kill him in the year 760.
St. Joseph
Patron of Marriage/Stepfamilies
The Virgin Mary’s husband and Jesus’ earthly father serve as an important intercessor for married couples and blended families. His love for the Virgin Mary and Jesus led him to selflessly serve them both. And, at the end of his mortal life, he was honored and comforted by their presence at his deathbed.
St. Priscilla
Patron of Good Marriages
We can meet St. Priscilla and her husband, St. Aquila in the Book of Acts. They were martyrs and friends with St. Paul. This holy couple offered their hospitality to first-century Christians by making their home available for Mass and prayer. They’re mentioned seven times in the Book of Acts and St. Paul’s letters. They supported each other even as they faced death together.
St. Valentine
Patron of Happy Marriages and Betrothed Couples
According to the Nuremberg Chronicle (1493), Valentine, a third-century Roman priest, was beheaded on Feb. 14 in Rome during the reign of Emperor Claudius Gothicus. He was arrested and imprisoned upon being caught performing marriages for Christian couples. Though Claudius offered to commute his death sentence, Valentinus proselytized the emperor and was thus condemned to death.