The Saints

There are more than 10,000 Roman Catholic saints. The veneration of saints describes a particular popular devotion to the saints. Although the term "worship" is often used, it is intended to mean to honor or give respect. This is similar to the manner in which the loa are perceived in Voodoo. Divine Worship is properly reserved only for God and never to the Saints. As "special friends of God" they can be asked to intercede or pray for those still on earth. A saint may be designated as a patron saint of particular causes or professions, or invoked against specific illnesses or disasters. They are not thought to have power of their own, but only that granted by God. Once a person has been declared a saint, the body of the saint is considered holy. The remains of saints are called holy relics and are usually used in churches. The saints' personal belongings may also be used as relics. Some of the saints have a symbol that represents their life.

One of the hallmarks of New Orleans Voodoo is the incorporation of elements of Catholicism, especially the saints. In the hoodoo tradition, each loa is associated with a Catholic saint and in fact, the saints often play a more integral role than do the loas in magick. Although religious structures no longer force believers to conceal their faith, this syncretism is still popular. In South America and the Caribbean, representations of Santos (Saints) are more often representations of Orishas/Loas than objects of Catholic devotion- although they are often both!

Let there be no mistake, voodooists know exactly who they are praying to. Although the loas have corresponding saints, they are not one and the same. They serve similar functions. But there are important differences. A major difference is that the saints are not considered deities or spirits; however, they are believed to reside with deities in the upper world. Prayers are directed to a particular saint or deity along with an offering in accordance with the need. This is called religious magic and saintly devotion.

Once you know and understand the saints and their purpose, you can design your own rituals to suit your need. Let’s take St. Anthony, for example, the corresponding saint to Papa Legba. Saint Anthony of Padua lived from 1195 until 1231 AD. He is widely recognized as a miracle worker. His feast day is June 13, which is the anniversary of his death. There are several little rhymes used to ask for his help, such as:" Saint Anthony, Saint Anthony, please come down, My _____ is lost, and must be found."

Call his name, and visualize your lost item, explain how important it is to you to find it, and sincerely ask for his aid. You will find your missing object.

Saint Anthony is also invoked when someone is lost. As a result, many people call upon him to help them reconcile with a lost lover. He is also asked for his help in finding a mate. Because Saint Anthony finds lost people, his aid can also be requested when praying for someone who is severely struggling, and who seems to be a lost soul. In some countries, Saint Anthony is prayed to by travelers and vacationers for a safe journey, particularly over the sea. He is the patron saint of sailors and fisherman in Spain, Italy, France and Portugal. According to some stories, sailors keep a statue of Saint Anthony on the mast of the ship, and appeal to him for safety while at sea. So, you see, much can be done with the aid of the saints once you know who they are.

Knowing the saints, their associated purpose, and corresponding loa is essential to New Orleans Voodoo Hoodoo. Take your time and become familiar with them. A very good book about the saints and their use in hoodoo that I highly recommend is The Magical Power of the Saints: Evocation and Candle Rituals by Ray Malbrough. In the meantime, here is a short list of saints and their corresponding purposes for your reference.

St. Anthony Of Padua - Find lost objects, works wonders.

St. Barbara - For love and friendship, conquer enemies.

St. Bernadette - For healing.

Our Lady of Charity - Protection of home, find lover, bring prosperity.

St. Christopher - Protection during travel.

St. Dymphna - For mental disorders, demonic possession.

St. Expeditus - Settle disputes, for pressing needs.

Our Lady of Guadalupe - Overcome fear, protection from jinxes. Guardian Angel - Protect self and children from danger and evil spirits. Infant Jesus Of Atocha - Be free from punishment, guilt and sin.

St. Joseph - find job, sell or rent house.

St. Jude - For impossible situations. St. Lazarus - Healing and Sickness. St. Lucy - The patron saint of writers.

St. Martin De Porres - For comfort, health, friends - good life.

St. Martin Caballero - Business, draw customers.

St. Michael - Overcome obstacles, defeat enemies, remove evil.

Mercy, O.L. - Studies, mental clarity

Miraculous Mother - Bring good things of life.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help - When in need of help.

St. Peter - Open roads, bring opportunities for success. St. Raymond - Stop gossip and slander, silence enemies. St. Raphael - "The Healer of God".

St. Rose - The Saint with the key to open the doors to Paradise. She is also the provider for women of a new husband or a better boyfriend.

Sacred Heart Of Jesus - Blessed, peaceful life.

Sacred Heart Of Mary - Serenity and spiritual blessings.

Seven African Powers/Saints - All purpose, to solve problems.