Meet 10 patron saints of Catholic education, students and teachers
- Catholic News Agency
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Newman joined a list of several other Catholic saints considered patrons of other aspects of education. Get to know them here.
By Francesca Pollio-Fenton/EWTN News
Pope Leo XIV named St. John Henry Newman a patron saint of Catholic education in a document published on Oct. 28 for the 60th anniversary of Gravissimum Educationis, the Second Vatican Council’s declaration on Christian education.
He became an official co-patron saint of education, alongside St. Thomas Aquinas, during the Vatican’s Jubilee of the World of Education from Oct. 27 to Nov. 1. He was also declared a doctor of the Church by Pope Leo at the jubilee’s closing Mass on Nov. 1, the solemnity of All Saints.
Newman joined a list of several other Catholic saints considered patrons of other aspects of education. Get to know them here:
St. Thomas Aquinas
A scholar and doctor of the Church, St. Thomas Aquinas is considered one of the Catholic Church’s greatest theologians and philosophers. He is the patron saint of Catholic colleges and universities, teachers, philosophers, theologians and students.
St. Albert the Great
A teacher of St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Albert the Great was a provincial of the Dominican order and is also a doctor of the Church. He is the patron saint of science students due to his belief that science and faith are compatible.
St. Joseph of Cupertino
A Conventual Franciscan Friar, St. Joseph of Cupertino was an Italian mystic who was known for struggling with his studies. He is a patron saint of students, especially those preparing to take exams.
St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle
St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle was a French priest, educational reformer, and founder of the Institute of Brothers of the Christian Schools. He is a patron saint of teachers.
St. Scholastica
St. Scholastica is the foundress of the women’s branch of Benedictine monasticism, which focuses on prayer, work and study. Her name also means “scholar.” Therefore, she is a patron saint of education.
St. Francis de Sales
Known for his influential writings on spiritual direction and formation, St. Francis de Sales is the patron saint of writers, journalists, the Catholic press and educators.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is considered the foundress of the Catholic school system in the United States, making her a patron of Catholic schools. In 1810, she opened the first Catholic girls' school in Emmitsburg, Maryland. It was also here where she founded the first American congregation of religious sisters, the Sisters of Charity.
St. John Neumann
A member of the Redemptorist order, St. John Neumann was the fourth bishop of Philadelphia. While he was there, he founded the first Catholic diocesan school in the United States, which made him a patron saint of Catholic education.
St. Gemma Galgani
St. Gemma Galgani is considered a patron saint of students because she was an exceptional and diligent student who excelled in her education despite her fragile health.
St. Catherine of Alexandria
A fourth-century noblewoman and scholar, St. Catherine of Alexandria is a patron saint of students, teachers, and librarians due to her incredible skills in debate, which led to many conversions among pagan philosophers.
Note: This article was originally published by EWTN News on October 27, 2025, and is reprinted here with permission.
