ROUSES_Fall2023_Magazine

PRAYING FOR A WIN By Sarah Baird

In addition to St. Sebastian, the patron saint of athletes, there are 10 saints that many Catholics consider “must know” religious figures — the starting lineup of saints, if you will. Even if you’re not of the Catholic faith, but you live on the Gulf Coast, it’s a good idea to learn more about these first-string saints and better understand their connection to the day-to-day lives of Catholics in the region, so without further ado:

St. Michael the Archangel One of three archangels (not technically a canonized saint) mentioned in the Bible along with Gabriel and Raphael, Holy Michael, as he is known, is viewed as the angelic template for becoming a “spiritual warrior” and serves as the leader of the Army of God. Often depicted holding scales, one of his four primary tasks is to weigh “good” and “bad” on judgment day and escort the faithful to heaven when they die. ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT GULF COAST CONNECTION: St. Michael the Archangel Church in Convent, Louisiana is one of the oldest parishes in the state, having been officially established in 1809 — three whole years before Louisiana became part of America. The St. James Parish church’s Lourdes Grotto, constructed in 1876, is renowned for its serenity and craftsmanship. ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT ON GAME DAY: Thanks to his leadership and strength, St. Michael is considered a healer of the sick. If you’re hoping for an injury free game day for players, consider reciting St. Michael the Archangel’s prayer. He also serves as the patron saint of grocers, if you’d like to bless those people working at Rouses to help fans find last-minute snacks.

St. Christopher Perhaps best known for painstakingly carrying a child — who turned out to be Jesus Christ himself — across a dangerous river, St. Christopher’s iconography frequently appears hanging from rearview mirrors to ensure protection when traveling from place to place. ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT GULF COAST CONNECTION: St. Christopher is not only the patron saint of sailors and those who work on the water, but the patron saint of protection from storms. ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT ON GAME DAY: If the Saints have an away game, a prayer to St. Christopher for safe travels is always a wise choice.

St. Jude One of the 12 Apostles of Christ — and not to be confused with Judas Iscariot — St. Jude is often depicted in iconography holding a club and an image of Jesus, with flames encircling his head representing his acceptance of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT GULF COAST CONNECTION: Since opening in 1998, the St. Jude Baton Rouge Affiliate Clinic at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health has provided the most advanced care possible for children diagnosed with cancer and blood-borne illness. (St. Jude also happens to be a patron saint of hospitals.) ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT ON GAME DAY: St. Jude is the patron saint of lost causes and desperate situations, so if the team is down in the fourth quarter and needs a last-minute miracle, this is the saint to turn to for assistance.

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