7 Powerful patron saints when you’re job hunting

If you or someone you love is having trouble finding a job, you’re not alone.

The latest employment numbers signal a stagnant job market, and many Americans are feeling the crunch of painfully slow job searches.

It’s hard not to feel hopeless in these situations. But we know that prayer is powerful and can make a real difference.

If you’re ready to call on some supernatural aid in your job search, you’ll find great allies in these 7 saints.

1. St. Cajetan

St. Cajetan is the official patron of unemployed people and job seekers. He was an Italian priest who established the first public bank in Italy, offering interest-free loans to those in need, and demonstrating his deep commitment to helping the disadvantaged.

Because he helped people find jobs, he is often invoked for help in finding work and for the strength and courage to face the challenges of unemployment.

2. St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

Also known as St. Edith Stein, this 20th-century nun is best known for her conversion from Judaism to Catholicism, her entrance into the Carmelite order, and her courageous martyrdom at Auschwitz.

But it’s less well known that she was a strong proponent of women’s education and professional work, once writing:

“… There is no profession which cannot be practiced by a woman. Thus the participation of women in the most diverse professional disciplines could be a blessing for the entire society…” – St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

She wrote about how meaningful, “real” work helps women (and all of us!) stay bal a nced, so she’s the perfect saint to ask for prayers in finding the meaningful work you are meant to do.

3. St. Joseph the Worker

His title says it all, doesn’t it? Jesus’ beloved foster father worked as a carpenter and taught Jesus his trade. As someone known for his work ethic, no doubt he would be glad to pray for your job search.

4. St. Gianna Molla

After marrying and having children, St. Gianna continued her medical career, including serving as a health director for a daycare center and maternity center and as a school doctor. She found a way to balance her demanding career with her vocation as a wife and mother.

Considered the unofficial patron saint of working mothers, St. Gianna is especially close to the hearts of working moms and women with careers who hope to be mothers someday. Don’t hesitate to ask for her prayers—surely this busy doctor and mom of four will understand your situation and get on the case quickly!

5. St. Jude Thaddeus

St. Jude is better known as the patron saint of “impossible causes,” making him a wonderful saint to ask for prayers if you’ve been on the job hunt for a long time and are starting to lose hope. It might feel impossible, but St. Jude has pulled through so many times!

6. St. Zelie Martin

St. Zélie Martin was an entrepreneur who balanced her work as a skilled lacemaker and running a business with raising nine children, including the future St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Her husband actually gave up his own career to help her run her business.

Thanks to her special understanding of working mothers, entrepreneurs, and business management, she is a great intercessor for your job search. And maybe ask her saintly husband and children to pray too!

7. St. Anthony

St. Anthony is the patron saint of finding things, so we can’t think of a better intercessor for finding employment. He’s known to find things quickly — all the better!

This article was written by Theresa Civantos Barber for Aleteia.