Catholic Social Tips
As Catholics we learn of the powerful presence of the holy men and women who comprise the Communion of Saints. This body serves as a well to draw from when we need protection or help.
The devastating flooding and damage from March’s Kona low storms stripped many people of their homes and personal property. In times like these, it is important to remember to seek the intercession of the saints to help us get through difficult times.
Storm victims will be looking for items that are precious to them — St. Anthony of Padua is the patron saint for lost things. Here is the prayer to offer for his intercession to help find lost items: “O Holy St Anthony, gentlest of all saints. Your love for God and charity for his creatures made you worthy on earth to possess miraculous powers. Encouraged by this thought I implore you to obtain for me (fill in the blank).”
Here are six more saints to pray for their intercession:
Our Lady of Aranzazu: The patroness of calamities of nature is embraced in Filipino culture to stop floods. Processions with her image take place to pray for her intercession.
St. Medard of Noyon: It is reported that a massive eagle shielded him from rainstorms; he is the patron saint against bad weather, storms and floods.
St. Margaret of Hungary: She is a patron for protection from flooding. Her father built her a convent of her own on a small island in the middle of the Danube River. Whenever it was threatened with flooding, she protected it with prayer.
St. Gregory Thaumaturgus: Pray for his intercession in the aftermath of floods, as he could dry up streams and move tremendous boulders by the commands of his word. He is also the patron of Armenia and of desperate or forgotten cases.
St. Florian: He is invoked for protection against water damage, specifically in the context of flood and drowning, and as a protector against fire. His association with water stems from his martyrdom by drowning.
St. Vincent Ferrer: He is the patron saint of builders. There is a novena that you may pray for his intercession.
Of course, we should also pray for the intercession of our beloved St. Damien de Veuster and St. Marianne Cope as the island of Molokai was also affected by the recent storms. We must lift up prayers of thanksgiving that no lives were lost.
This disaster could bring about psychological struggles, so it would be good to pray for the intercession of St. Dymphna, patron saint of mental health challenges.
There have been many angels on earth who are supporting the thousands who need help with cleanup, housing, clothing, food, furniture and money. In addition to helping through praying for the intercession of the saints shared here, we can also support storm victims through donations of items and money to meet their needs.
- Here are some places where people can send donations:
- Lahui Foundation: www.lahuifoundation.org
- Hawaii Farmers Union Foundation: hfuuhi.org/foundation
- Catholic Charities Hawaii: www.catholiccharitieshawaii.org/stormrecovery
- Moloka’i Cares: molokai-cares.org/molokai-cares
All you holy men and women, pray for us!
Sherry Hayes-Peirce is a Catholic social media consultant based in Southern California.