Patronage of the Saints
RetabloKits Patronage of the Saints draws from the traditional catholic patronage as well as a selection of holy celebrations and symbols that bring comfort and hope to all walks of life.
The following is a compiliation of detailed descriptions of all the traditional and additional saints depicted by our RetabloKits, including tips on how to enhance your own designs.
ANGEL
Feast Day September 29
Angels are found in cultures throughout the world and act as guardians and protectors, watching over individuals, their families and their homes. They provide help and guidance when one is in need, and they bring consolation in times of hardship. The word angel means messenger, and in fact, angels bring messages from God, the Divine, Source, however you choose to call it.
DAY OF THE DEAD
The Dia de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead refers to a three day Mexican holiday, celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd, remembering loved ones who have passed on. This celebration was a native central american holiday and predated the arrival of the Spaniards and was adopted by them. Since then, the holiday has spread throughout the Americas. As part of the observance, family members bring ofrendas or offerings to the graves. In the homes special foods are eaten and the lives of the deceased loved ones are celebrated.
Many designs and art for celebrations feature comical depictions of skeletons or corpses with joyful expression and bright colors. Gruesome undertones and flourishes can be fun as well.
HAMSA or HAMESH HAND
Symbol of Protection
The Hamsa, also known as the Hand of Miriam, referring to the sister of Moses and Aaron, is a Jewish symbol of protection. The word hamesh (also hamsa) comes from a Semitic root which means five and refers to the number of digits on the hand. Some associate the five digits with the five books of the Torah, but in general it is thought that the number five carries the spiritual power of protection In the Kabala, the fifth Sephirah is Gevurah meaning power or strength, which manifests in the human realm as justice or judgment. The Hamesh is an amulet of protection which is used to ward off the evil eye. It is also thought to bring good fortune and well being. It is often shown with an eye in the middle of the palm, referring to the all-seeing eye that wards off the evil eye.
The decoration of the hamesh can be done in many ways. Use your imagination.
HAND OF FATIMA
Symbol of Protection
The Hand of Fatima is a symbol of protection found in the Middle East. The symbol allegedly derives from an ancient one which dates back to the time of the Sumerian civilization, of which there is recorded evidence as early as the sixth millennium B.C.E. The Hand of Fatima is an amulet which wards off the evil eye and all other bad fortune. The image is a common element in much of the art and the jewelry of the Middle East. You can also find the picture of a hand used as an artistic and symbolic element throughout the world. In the Southwest United States, there are many petroglyphs or rock carvings that contain the image of a hand.
JIZO THE BUDDHA
Patron of Fire-Fighters
Jizo is one of the most loved of all Buddhas in the Far East. He is known as the Earth Store Bodhisattva, the guardian of the Earth. He is also honored as a guardian of children, and is known to guide children to heaven. He is also known for watching over travelers on the road and as a patron of firefighters. He s portrayed in simple robes with a shaved head, often surrounded by a halo. Sometimes he is shown with the wish-fulfilling jewel. which brings blessings, grants understanding, and fulfills desires. He can grant optimism, courage, and compassion to those who call upon him.
JULIAN OF NORWICH
Solidarity and Courage
Julian of Norwich (1342-1416) was a medieval English mystic, who spent her time in learning and telling of the wonders of God in all his ways through her writings and her examples. She was an anchoress, a person who lived within the walls of a church, and her dedication to God in her life style was an example to all, She had many visions which she recorded in her books. Although she lived during a time of plagues and wars, she believed strongly in the compassion and love of God for all, and as a result, she encouraged people to be joyful and not to lose hope. She is best known for her saying All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.
KATERI TEKAKWITHA
Feast Day: July 14
Patroness of the environment, miracle worker. Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha is called the Lily of the Mohawks. She was a member of the Turtle Clan of the Iroquois tribe. She converted to Christianity when she was eighteen and became a model of compassion, helping the sick and teaching the children. Because her relatives were not sympathetic to her Christianity, Kateri left them to go to the village of Sault Sainte Marie, where the natives were accepting of Christianity. There she produced miracles and wonders. She had a great respect and love for all of creation.
KOKOPELLI
Luck, Music and Fertility
Kokopelli is the hump-backed flute player. He is a common figure among the rock etchings or petroglyphs of the southwest. He is recognized as a symbol of fertility, who brings about success in planting, hunting, and human conception. Moreover he brings fulfillment to the hopes and dreams of individuals. He also represents the spirit of music. By playing his flute, he chases winter away and brings in spring. It has been said that listening to the music of Kokopelli brings good luck, so, if in the spring time, you hear the sound of the flute on the wind, know that the good fortune of Kokopelli is coming your way.
LADY OF GUADALUPE
Patroness of the Americas, Refuge of the Sick and Oppressed
Feast Day: December 12
The Lady of Guadalupe is especially revered in Mexico and the Southwest. She appeared to a Mexican peasant, Juan Diego, in 1531. Juan went to the priests of his village and told them about his vision. He also informed the bishop that the Lady had requested that a church be built on the spot where she had come. But the bishop of the area were not convinced and asked for a sign. The Lady told Juan Diego to gather flowers from the hill, even though it was winter. When Juan Diego returned to the Bishop, he opened his tilma or cloak, and flowers fell out, but the great wonder was the image of the Virgin that was imprinted on Juan Diego=s cloak.
It is said that the Virgin of Guadalupe has the power to cure any sickness. She promised to alleviate the sufferings and hardships of those who would honor her and offer help and protection to all who asked.
THE MADONNA or BLESSED MOTHER, MARY
Comfort and Peace
Nativity of Mary September 8
Mary is the Mother of Jesus Christ. As a mother, Mary is seen as having a special relationship with all humankind. She is a refuge to those in need. She knows the special sorrows and trials of being a wife and a mother. She is revered as a patron of women and of mothers, bringing love, joy and peace into one's heart. Historically, she would appear in the world when people were in need. Lately there have been many sightings of Mary throughout the world.
NOAH AND THE ARK
Sanctuary and Protection from Floods
The Bible tells of a time when the people of the Earth became wild and wicked. God looked down upon the Earth and was not happy. He told Noah to build an ark and to bring aboard two animals from each species. Noah built the ark and along with he animals, he took his family. Then it began to rain. It rained for forty days and forty nights, until all the Earth was covered with water. After that time, the sun came out, and the waters receded. God put in the sky a rainbow as a sign that the world would not be destroyed by water again.
SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Animals and the Environment
Feast Day: October 4th
St Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) was the son of a rich Italian nobleman. In his hometown of Assisi, he was known for his wild life style. He gave all of that up, however, for a life of simplicity and poverty. He founded the order of the Friars Minor, known as the Franciscans. It was a turbulent and violent time in which Francis lived, yet he believed in and preached non-violence, peace and love. Francis had a great love for the environment and for animals. There is a story that one day, while traveling he noticed flocks of birds in the trees. He told his companions to wait for him while he went to preach to the birds. He is known and loved as a patron of animals and the environment. His CANTICLE TO BROTHER SON AND SISTER MOON is one of his most famous works.
SAN PASCUAL
Patron Saint of Cooks and the Kitchen
Feast Day: May 17
Pascual Bailon (1540-1592) was the son of Spanish peasants. As a boy, he worked as a shepherd and taught himself to read. When he was 24, he joined the poor Franciscan lay brothers and often worked as cook and doorkeeper. He was a simple man who was loved by rich and poor alike. He was known for his works of charity and compassion. He is also known as a mystic, having visions that would make him fly in the air. He is honored in the Philippines as a patron of wealth and abundance. There is a great festival held each year in his honor. In the Southwest, he is best known as the patron saint of cooks and the kitchen.
SANTUARIO DE CHIMAYO
Healing and Solace
The Santuario de Chimayo is known as AThe Lourdes of America@. It got that name due to stories of miraculous events and cures having happened there. The tradition involved a miraculous crucifix that was found buried in the dirt there. Many attempts were made to move the crucifix to other locations, but it always returned to Chimayo. Finally, a church was built there, and the crucifix remained. With time there were miracles that were attributed to the dirt of the area. People began flocking to the Santuario. Every year there are pilgrimages there, particularly during Holy Week. The Santuario is a place of peace and rest, where in the midst of the troubles of this world, one can get in touch with the sense of the sacred.
THE SOUL OF MARY
Comfort, Birth and Love
This is a very traditional retablo image. It is known in Spanish as La Alma de Maria, the Soul of Mary. The image shows Mary holding a dove. The dove represents the Angel Gabriel who brought to Mary the message that she would be the mother of the Christ. Mary is revered as a patron of women and of mothers, bringing love, joy and peace into one's heart. Historically, she would appear in the world when people were in need. Lately there have been many sightings of Mary throughout the world.