AKA: Firemen, Firewomen, Smoke Jumpers
Firefighters are highly trained professionals who risk their lives to save others in emergencies. They face many risky situations, including heat exposure, smoke, toxic fumes, as well as the possibility of building collapses and other structural dangers. Despite these risks, firefighters remain committed to their jobs, always ready to respond in moments of crisis to help those in need. Those who know and love a firefighter are both proud of their hero but concerned for their safety. Once again, the Saints to the rescue.
Who is the Patron Saint of Firefighters
When you think of the Patron Saint of Firefighters, the first Saint that comes to mind is of course St. Florian. After all, the Florian Cross is a common symbol used by firefighting departments and organizations all over the world. However, some don’t know that St. Lawrence and St. Agatha are also fellow Saints for firefighters.
St. Florian was an officer in the Roman army in charge of the fire brigade and was killed in the year 304 for refusing direct orders to execute Christians during the Diocletian persecution. He willingly surrendered and joyfully proclaimed his Christian faith even though he was scourged twice and his flesh stripped from half of his body. He was then set on fire and thrown in a river. There are numerous healing miracles attributed to St. Florian. Even one legend tells a story about how he saved an entire village from fire by throwing a single bucket of water on it. What a great firefighter Saint to intercede and protect those brave men and women who risk their lives for us.
St. Lawrence was a deacon but also a martyr during the persecutions. However, he predated St. Florian by half a century. Legend says that Lawrence was stretched and grilled on a gridiron. This is why he is famously depicted with a gridiron in artwork. His courage and bravery in the face of fire has made Lawrence a celebrated Saint for firefighters all over the world.
St. Agatha is definitely less known and less clearly associated with firefighters but is a Saint known to be invoked by them for protection. Her perseverance in suffering inspired many to invoke her name for protection after her death. Legend has it that one year after her death, Mt. Etna erupted and spewed a river of fire and molten rock toward a city. The people ran to her tomb and took the pall that covered it and then hung it up in the path of the flames. Then on her birthday, the river of lava stopped in its tracks. This has caused her to be invoked by those who seek protection from both volcanoes and fire.
Click here for our list of Patron Saints.
Prayers for Firefighters
Firefighter’s Prayer
When I am called to duty, God wherever flames may rage, give me strength to save a life, whatever be its age. Help me to embrace a little child before it's too late, or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert to hear the weakest shout,
and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me,
to guard my neighbor and protect his property. And if according to your will I have to lose my life, bless with your protecting hand my loving family from strife. Amen.
St. Florian Prayer for Firefighters
Dear God, Through the intercession of our patron, Saint Florian, have mercy on the souls of our comrades who have made the supreme sacrifice in the performance of their duty, and on all who have gone before us after years of faithful discharge of their responsibilities which now rest on ourselves.
Give us Grace to prepare each day for our own summons to Thy tribunal of justice. Into Thy hands O Lord, I commend my spirit. Whithersoever Thou callest me, I am ready to go. Merciful Father of all men, save me from all bodily harm, if it be Thy will, but above all, help me to be loyal and true, respectful and honorable, obedient and valiant. Thus fortified by virtue, I shall have no fear, for I shall then belong to Thee and shall never be separated from Thee. Amen.
Related Patron Saint Jewelry and Rosaries
Buy some beautiful St. Florian, St. Lawrence or St. Agatha jewelry to keep you or your loved one close to the patron saint of firefighters and be a symbol of your faith.