AKA: Calm, Peacemakers, Unity, Harmony, Against War
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Peace is a fundamental pillar of human existence, essential for fostering cooperation, prosperity, and overall well-being in society. At its core, peace represents a state of tranquility and harmony, both within oneself and among individuals, communities, and nations. Being a peacemaker entails actively promoting calm, empathy, and reconciliation, while seeking to resolve conflicts through peaceful means rather than resorting to violence or aggression.
Prudence plays a crucial role in the quest for peace, guiding individuals to exercise wisdom, foresight, and sound judgment in their actions and decisions. By carefully weighing the consequences of their choices and considering the well-being of others, individuals can navigate conflicts with sensitivity and empathy, seeking solutions that uphold justice and respect human dignity. Prudence encourages restraint, moderation, and thoughtful deliberation, helping to prevent escalation and mitigate the impact of misunderstandings and grievances.
Jesus' ministry was characterized by acts of healing, reconciliation, and peacemaking, as he reached out to the marginalized, healed the sick, and forgave those who wronged him. His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, motivated by love and a desire for reconciliation, serves as a testament to the transformative power of forgiveness and the possibility of redemption. In a world often marked by division, conflict, and strife, the example of Jesus reminds us of the enduring importance of seeking peace and cultivating unity and understanding.
Throughout history, countless saints have championed the cause of peace for Jesus, embodying the virtues of compassion, forgiveness, and reconciliation. They make great patrons for peace.
Who is the Patron Saint of Peace
St. Francis of Assisi is widely known as the primary saint associated with peace. Nevertheless, numerous other saints, through their dedicated pursuit of peace in life, serve as powerful intercessors for the cause of peace now. Among them are St. Isabella of Portugal, St. John XXIII, St. Bernadine of Siena, St. Catherine of Siena, and St. John Paul II.
St. Francis of Assisi came from a privileged background and underwent a profound transformation following the conflicts that engulfed his hometown of Assisi. Engaging in battle during the conflict between Assisi and Perugia in 1202, Francis witnessed the harrowing realities of war, leading to a period of introspection during his imprisonment. These tumultuous events reshaped his spiritual and individual values, leading him to pursue a life centered on peace and simplicity, with a strong emphasis on serving the most vulnerable in society. This aspect of his life has endured as a lasting legacy, inspiring others to emulate his compassionate and selfless way of living.
St. Francis is often regarded as the patron saint of peace due to his profound reverence for all of God's creation and his efforts to reconcile divisions within society. One of the most famous stories about St. Francis involves his encounter with a ferocious wolf that had been terrorizing the town of Gubbio. Instead of responding with violence, St. Francis approached the wolf with compassion and dialogue, eventually persuading it to cease its attacks. This act of peaceful resolution exemplifies St. Francis's belief in the power of love and nonviolence to overcome conflict.
St. Isabella of Portugal, also known as Queen Elizabeth of Portugal, lived during the 14th century. She was born into the royal family of Aragon in Spain and was married to King Denis of Portugal at a young age. Isabella is revered for her piety, charity, and efforts to promote peace and reconciliation during times of conflict. She is often called the Angel of Peace. Despite facing personal challenges, including marital discord, Isabella remained steadfast in her commitment to peace. She intervened in political disputes, mediated conflicts, and sought to alleviate the suffering of the poor and marginalized.
A famous story about her describes when warfare was threatened between her husband and one of her children, she rode a donkey between the two armies and humbled the two sides into laying down their weapons. Isabella's dedication to peace earned her recognition as a patron saint of reconciliation, harmony, and diplomatic efforts. Her legacy continues to inspire individuals to work towards peace and unity in their communities and beyond.
St. John XXIII, born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, was the 261st pope of the Catholic Church, serving from 1958 until his death in 1963. He is renowned for his efforts to promote peace and reconciliation during his papacy and even before. Pius XI launched Roncalli on a diplomatic career, making him a bishop in 1925, and appointing him to his first diplomatic post in Bulgaria. He was the preeminent Vatican diplomat in Turkey and Greece during World War II, and played a historic role in saving tens of thousands of Jews during the Holocaust.
He emphasized dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among peoples of different faiths and ideologies, seeking to foster unity and harmony. His encyclical "Pacem in Terris" ("Peace on Earth"), issued in 1963, addressed the critical need for peace in a world marked by conflict and division. St. John XXIII's commitment to peace and diplomacy earned him recognition as a patron saint of peace.
St. Bernadine of Siena was a 15th-century Italian Franciscan friar known for his preaching and efforts to promote peace and reconciliation. He played a significant role in calming civil unrest and resolving conflicts in various Italian cities through his charismatic preaching and peacemaking skills. St. Bernadine's sermons often focused on themes of peace, love, and harmony, urging communities to put aside their differences and work towards common goals. He was well known for his tireless speeches on immorality but also known for many miraculous healings. St. Bernardine's dedication to peace and his determined efforts to bridge divides earned him recognition as a patron saint of peace.
St. Catherine of Siena, a 14th-century Dominican tertiary, is renowned for her spiritual wisdom, fervent prayer life, and tireless efforts to bring about peace and reconciliation. Despite her humble background, Catherine gained prominence as a peacemaker and advisor to rulers and clergy alike. She played a crucial diplomatic role in mediating conflicts between warring factions in Florence and other parts of Italy, often traveling extensively to negotiate peace agreements and promote unity.
She rose to prominence as one of the most esteemed figures within the church during her era, sought after for counsel by popes, monarchs, and influential members of Italian nobility. Her guidance played a pivotal role in Pope Gregory XI's monumental choice to depart from Avignon and reestablish the papal residence in Rome. Additionally, she provided steadfast support to Pope Urban VI during the tumultuous period of the Great Schism, which ensued due to the challenge posed by a rival pontiff.
Catherine's letters and writings throughout her life emphasized the importance of peace, justice and the salvation of others. Her unwavering commitment to fostering peace amid turbulent times earned her recognition as a patron saint of peace.
St. John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła, was the Catholic Pope from 1978 to 2005. He is recognized as a patron saint of peace due to his diligent efforts to promote peace and reconciliation throughout his pontificate. John Paul II played a significant role in various world peace initiatives like the Cold War, advocating for diplomacy and dialogue to resolve conflicts worldwide. He notably intervened in numerous international disputes, including those in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, urging nations to seek peaceful resolutions and prioritize the well-being of all people. Additionally, his instrumental role in fostering dialogue between different religious communities contributed to building bridges of unity and harmony, further solidifying his legacy as a beacon of peace.
Click here for our list of Patron Saints.
Prayers for Peace
St. Francis of Assisi Prayer for Peace
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
Prayer for Peace by St. John Paul II
Lord Jesus Christ, who are called the Prince of Peace, who are Yourself our peace and reconciliation, who so often said, “Peace to you” – please grant us peace.
Make all men and women witnesses of truth, justice and brotherly love. Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace. Enlighten our rulers that they may guarantee and defend the great gift of peace.
May all peoples on the earth become as brothers and sisters.
May longed-for peace blossom forth and reign always over us all. Amen.
Pope Francis’ Prayer for Peace
Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!
We have tried so many times and over so many years to resolve our conflicts by our own powers and by the force of our arms. How many moments of hostility and darkness have we experienced; how much blood has been shed; how many lives have been shattered; how many hopes have been buried… But our efforts have been in vain.
Now, Lord, come to our aid! Grant us peace, teach us peace; guide our steps in the way of peace. Open our eyes and our hearts and give us the courage to say: "Never again war!"; "With war everything is lost". Instill in our hearts the courage to take concrete steps to achieve peace.
Lord, God of Abraham, God of the Prophets, God of Love, you created us and you call us to live as brothers and sisters. Give us the strength daily to be instruments of peace; enable us to see everyone who crosses our path as our brother or sister. Make us sensitive to the plea of our citizens who entreat us to turn our weapons of war into implements of peace, our trepidation into confident trust, and our quarreling into forgiveness.
Keep alive within us the flame of hope, so that with patience and perseverance we may opt for dialogue and reconciliation. In this way may peace triumph at last, and may the words "division", "hatred" and "war" be banished from the heart of every man and woman. Lord, defuse the violence of our tongues and our hands. Renew our hearts and minds, so that the word which always brings us together will be "brother", and our way of life will always be that of: Shalom, Peace, Salaam! Amen.
Related Patron Saint Jewelry and Rosaries
Buy some beautiful St. Francis of Assisi, St. Isabella of Portugal, St. John XXIII, St. Bernadine of Siena, St. Catherine of Siena or St. John Paul II jewelry to keep you or your loved one close to the patron saint of peace and be a symbol of your faith.