5 Patron Saints of Athletes

by Clyde Ericson Nolasco

As we tune in and root for our athletes during this year’s Olympics in Paris, we entrust their success and safety to our Lord through the intercession of our saints. Here are the holy people you can pray to for our players' physical, mental and spiritual wellness in these summer games.

1. St. Sebastian - St. Sebastian is a 3rd century Christian martyr usually portrayed tied to a tree with shots of arrows on his body. Though no supporting facts can prove he is an athlete himself, St. Sebastian’s depiction in arts and literature symbolizes his strength, stamina, endurance and faith which are also qualities athletes hope to embody in their lives especially during their competitions.

2. St. John Paul II - Polish and born as Karol Wojtyla, he was elected Pope and took the name John Paul II. He was an avid sportsman and athlete. St John Paul II was a skier, hiker and soccer player. He once said to young people, “Sports contributes to the love of life, and teaches sacrifice, respect, and responsibility, leading to the full development of every human person.”

3. Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati - Born in Turin in 1902, Blessed Pier was very active in various church organizations and charity works. As a young Italian athlete, he enjoyed skiing, soccer, hiking, rowing, horseback riding, swimming, and fencing. He was usually photographed scaling mountains and hiking with his friends when he was still alive. He died of a severe illness in 1925.

4. Blessed Chiara Badano - Born in 1971, Blessed Chiara is said to be the first to be beatified from “Generation X.” She enjoyed singing, dancing and playing sports like the typical modern young lady. While playing tennis, she felt an excruciating pain that later on was diagnosed as bone cancer. She died in 1990.

5. Blessed Michael McGivney - Blessed Michael is a Catholic priest who founded the Knights of Columbus, which became integral to the growth of Christianity in America. He was not just an exemplary student but also an excellent baseball player. Later on he underlined the importance of sports, saying, “Baseball continues to serve as a path of spiritual formation and charity for Knights and their families.”

May all these saints intercede for our athletes whether in or outside of their games! May our athletes be blessed with focus, strength, determination, and the grace to bring victory for the greater glory of God!