AKA: Soldiers, GIs
Serving in the Army is a demanding and noble commitment. Army personnel are tasked with safeguarding their nation's security and are prepared to face a wide range of challenges. Army personnel undergo rigorous training that includes physical conditioning, combat skills, and technical expertise. Army basic training is designed to build discipline and resilience.
The Army places a strong emphasis on leadership and personal responsibility. Soldiers are expected to take charge and make critical decisions, even at lower ranks.
Many soldiers are driven by a strong sense of patriotism and a desire to serve their country. This commitment to duty is a central aspect of being in the U.S. Army.
The U.S. Army offers a wide range of career options, from infantry and artillery to engineering, intelligence, healthcare, logistics, and more. Members are stationed at bases around the world, and they can be deployed to various theaters of operation which leads to diverse experiences and exposure to different cultures. They may find themselves in demanding and sometimes hazardous environments. This can include combat zones, extreme weather conditions, and remote locations.
Considering the difficulties encountered by Army personnel, it becomes crucial to offer prayers for their safety, overall well-being, and enduring resilience. The saints serve as a profound channel to seek their intercession, providing emotional support, guidance, and unwavering strength to soldiers as they fulfill their responsibilities and navigate the unique challenges of their service.
Who is the Patron Saint of the Army
Numerous saints have long been revered for their association with aiding and safeguarding men and women in the military. While renowned figures like St. Michael, St. George, and St. Joan of Arc are widely recognized as Patron Saints of the Military, there are also specific Patron Saints who hold a special place for the Army, such as St. Philip Neri, St. Barbara, St. Ignatius, St. Martin of Tours and St. Sebastian.
St. Philip Neri, often referred to as the "Apostle of Rome," was a prominent 16th-century Italian priest and the founder of the Congregation of the Oratory. He played a significant role during the Counter-Reformation, dedicating his life to aiding the impoverished in Rome, garnering a devoted following among those engaged in this vital work. Philip's efforts were instrumental in rekindling Catholicism during the challenging period of the Protestant Reformation.
St. Philip Neri exemplified the practice of the Corporal Works of Mercy, demonstrating deep compassion and care for those in need. He was chosen as the Patron Saint of Special Forces because he embodied the qualities essential to an ideal Special Forces Soldier: selflessness, exceptional teaching skills, and inspirational leadership. This recognition led to the establishment of the Saint Philip Neri Awards Program by the United States Army Special Forces Command in 2002. The program acknowledges former and current Special Forces soldiers who not only meet the highest standards of an exemplary Special Forces Soldier but have also made substantial contributions to the United States Army Special Forces Regiment or the Special Forces Association.
St. Barbara was an early Christian martyr who lived during the 3rd century. She is revered as the Patron Saint of artillery, among other roles, due to a combination of historical accounts and legendary narratives associated with her life.
St. Barbara's legend tells of her noble birth and conversion to Christianity in the 3rd century. When her pagan father discovered her newfound faith, he imprisoned her in a tower to protect her from outside influences and to persuade her to renounce Christianity. This imprisonment in a tower is often seen as the association with structures resembling artillery fortifications.
According to the legend, while in the tower, St. Barbara was miraculously delivered from harm by the intervention of divine light or a lightning strike. This event has been associated with the idea of artillery and the power of explosive force.
St. Barbara is considered a protector against sudden and violent deaths, which includes deaths resulting from artillery or explosions. Her intercession is sought to shield artillerymen and others from unforeseen, deadly events.
St. Ignatius of Loyola, born Iñigo López de Loyola in the 16th century, is the founder of the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. He is revered as a patron saint of soldiers due to his own military background and his subsequent spiritual transformation.
Ignatius was born into a noble family and pursued a military career. He served as a soldier and was known for his courage and chivalry. In 1521, during a battle, he was seriously wounded, taking a cannonball to the leg. This injury ended his military career and initiated his spiritual journey.
During his convalescence, Ignatius began to read religious texts, particularly the lives of the saints, which led to a profound conversion experience. He felt a calling to devote his life to Christ and embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage.
St. Ignatius developed a set of spiritual exercises and guidelines for discernment that have proven valuable to soldiers and military personnel. His teachings emphasize self-discipline, moral decision-making, and a deep commitment to service.
St. Ignatius of Loyola's personal transformation from a soldier to a devout and spiritually dedicated individual, along with his role in creating a spiritual framework suitable for soldiers, led to his recognition as the patron saint of soldiers. Soldiers often seek his intercession for guidance, strength, and protection in their military service.
St. Martin of Tours, also known as St. Martin the Merciful, was a 4th-century Christian saint who is revered for his humility, charity, and military service.
St. Martin was initially a soldier in the Roman army. He served in the imperial cavalry and was stationed in the town of Amiens, in what is now modern-day France. His military service is a central aspect of his life, and it is a key reason why he is associated with soldiers.
One of the most famous episodes from St. Martin's life occurred during his time in the military. According to legend, while still a soldier, he encountered a beggar in the freezing cold and, out of compassion, cut his own military cloak in half with his sword and shared it with the beggar. This act of charity and selflessness is often depicted in art and hagiographies, reinforcing his connection to the military and his reputation for compassion.
St. Martin's military career came to an end when he converted to Christianity. He left the army, as he believed that his faith and military service under the rule of pagans were incompatible. After his conversion, Martin became a bishop and continued to serve others through acts of charity and by spreading the Christian faith.
St. Martin of Tours is regarded as a role model for soldiers, not only for his military service but also for his example of compassion, selflessness, and dedication to the Christian faith. His life embodies the idea that one can serve in the military while upholding values of charity and humility.
St. Sebastian is primarily known for his martyrdom. He was a Roman soldier who secretly converted to Christianity and continued to serve in the Roman army during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, a time of Christian persecution.
St. Sebastian is celebrated for his unwavering faith and courage. Even though he was part of an institution that persecuted Christians, he openly practiced and professed his Christian beliefs, providing inspiration to soldiers who grappled with conflicts between their faith and military service.
In addition to his own Christian faith, St. Sebastian was known to provide support and assistance to persecuted Christians. He reportedly helped fellow Christians who were suffering due to their faith, which further strengthened his association with soldiers and their challenges regarding faith and duty.
St. Sebastian's portrayal in art often includes him being shot with arrows. According to legend, he survived an initial arrow attack but was eventually martyred. St. Sebastian's life and martyrdom serve as an example of unwavering faith, courage, and commitment to one's beliefs, even in the face of adversity. These qualities resonate with soldiers who often encounter moral dilemmas and challenges while serving in the Army.
Click here for our list of Patron Saints.
Prayers for Army
Prayer for the Safety of a Soldier
Almighty and eternal God, those who take refuge in you will be glad and forever will shout for joy. Protect these soldiers as they discharge their duties. Protect them with the shield of your strength and keep them safe from all evil and harm. May the power of your love enable them to return home, in safety, that with all who love them, they may ever praise you for your loving care. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
St. Ignatius’ Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within your wounds, hide me. Let me never be separated from you. From the malignant enemy, defend me. In the hour of my death, call me, and bid me come to you, that with your saints I may praise you forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer for Army Officers in Command
God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, hear my prayer for these soldiers under my command.
Grant that I may bring the spirit of Christ to all my efforts and orders as I exercise my authority over those entrusted to my care. Inform my judgment with your Holy Spirit so that I may make decisions in conformity with your law and for the common good. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Related Patron Saint Jewelry and Rosaries
Buy some beautiful St. Michael, St. George, St. Joan of Arc, St. Philip Neri, St. Barbara, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Martin of Tours or St. Sebastian jewelry to keep you or your loved one close to the Patron saint of the Army and be a symbol of your faith.
