Saints Who Help People in Dangerous Professions

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In the dangerous world we live in, most people pray to be protected from harm. And some people are more vulnerable to being hurt because of various situations. Some live in impoverished areas, and some live in areas where violence or a natural disaster happens more frequently. But many people face danger on a regular basis because their jobs require it of them.

So, when people work in dangerous professions, what should they do to try to stay safe? In addition to taking necessary precautions, maintaining a healthy diet and fitness routine and getting a decent amount of sleep and relaxation, they can ask God for help and protection in their daily prayers. But they can do something else as well. They can ask the patron saints of their professions for their intercession.

Pope Francis encourages all Christians to turn to saints for help. “We can compare them to the church windows which allow light to enter in different shades of color,” said Pope Francis on All Saints Day 2017. “The saints are our brothers and sisters who have welcomed the light of God in their heart and have passed it on to the world, each according to his or her own hue.”

Here are some holy saints that workers who face danger every day may want to call upon. They are the patron saints of people who work in some of the most dangerous occupations. Workers can call upon them each day, if they would like, or they can do so when they are faced with a particularly dangerous situation.

Members of the Military

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Members of the military risk their lives constantly to protect and defend their countries. Until their tours of duty are completed, it’s only natural that their parents, spouses, families and other loved ones would be concerned for their safety and well-being. Thankfully, the patron saint for all branches of the military is Saint Michael the Archangel. Also known as the Prince of the heavenly hosts, his name means “Who is as God,” and that has also been his battle cry as he swiftly defends God and the Church from all evil. In Albin Butler’s “Lives of the Saints,” he is referred to as “the captain of the armies of God, the type of divine fortitude, the champion of every faithful soul in strife with the powers of evil.”

One website that gives members of the military and their loved ones the chance to have their prayer requests prayed for by priest chaplains and at a daily Mass is the site for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, www.milarch.org. The site also includes some prayers. “Prayer in Time of War” is as follows: God our Father, maker and lover of peace, To know You is to live, And to serve You is to reign. All our faith is in Your saving help; Protect us from men of violence And keep us safe from weapons of hate. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Police Officers

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While members of the military protect and defend their countries, police officers are tasked with protecting and serving their communities. Even though they are able to return to their homes at the end of their shifts, their loved ones still have good reasons for being concerned about their safety. It may not surprise people that – along with Saint Sebastian – St. Michael the Archangel is also the patron saint of police officers. And, because he is the saint of desperate situations, forgotten causes, impossible causes and lost causes, many police officers and some police departments claim Saint Jude as their patron saint as well.

One prayer for police officers is as follows: O Almighty God, Whose great power and eternal wisdom embraces the universe, watch over all policemen and law enforcement officers everywhere. Protect them from harm In the performance of their duty to stop crime, robbery, riots and violence. We pray, help them keep our streets and homes safe, day and night. We commend them to Your loving care because their duty is dangerous. Grant them strength and courage In their daily assignments. Dear God, protect these brave men and women. Grant them Your almighty protection, Unite them safely with their families after duty has ended. Please God, grant us this wish.

Firefighters

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Other vital members of our societies who are required to be brave and face dangerous situations regularly are firefighters. Like the loved ones of police officers, the spouses, families and friends of firefighters have cause to be concerned. Fortunately, firefighters and their loved ones can also call upon a holy saint. The patron saint of firefighters is Saint Florian. The saint and Christian martyr was born in what is now Austria in the 3rd Century. He was a brave Roman soldier who was in charge of organizing and leading firefighting brigades. The symbol known as St. Florian’s Cross is frequently used as a symbol of firefighting.

A.W. “Smokey” Linn, a dedicated firefighter and soldier, served the Wichita, Kansas Fire Department from 1947 to 1975. He wrote the well-known “Fireman’s Prayer.” It states: When I am called to duty, God whenever flames may rage, Give me the strength to save some life whatever be its age. Help me to embrace a little child before it’s too late, or some older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout, and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling and give the best in me, to guard my neighbor and protect his property. And if according to Your Will I have to lose my life, please bless with Your protecting hand, my children and my wife.

Taxi Drivers

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Although many people might not think of a job driving taxis as a dangerous profession, it’s actually one of the most perilous. Not only are they at higher risk for accidents, they’re more likely to be victims of crimes while working than most other types of workers. Their patron saint is Saint Fiacre. The saint, who was also a healer and is still called upon for help in healing cancer and venereal diseases, was born in Ireland at the end of the 6th Century. He was a monk who had a monastery in Ireland and, later, in France. The hotel named for him, in Paris, became the first to work with coaches in the middle of the 1600s. Those coaches became known as fiacres, which is how the saint eventually became the patron of taxi drivers.

While taxi drivers and their loved ones can seek intercession from St. Fiacre for safety at work, they might also want to pray the “Motorist’s Prayer” which states: Grant me O Lord a steady hand and watchful eye. That no one shall be hurt as I pass by. Thou gavest life, I pray no act of mine may take away or mar that gift of Thine. Shelter those, dear Lord, who bear me company, From the evils of fire and all calamity. Teach me to use my car for others need; nor miss through love of undue speed the beauty of the world; that thus I may with joy and courtesy go on my way. St. Christopher, holy patron of travellers, protect me and lead me safely to my destiny.

Truck Drivers

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With the end of the “Motorist’s Prayer” being addressed to Saint Christopher, it’s easy to understand why he is the patron saint of truck drivers. And like taxi drivers, the dangers truckers face while working are many. St. Christopher is believed to have been martyred after converting thousands of people to Christianity in the 3rd Century, and he is well known as the patron and protector of drivers of all kinds. He also protects people against lightning and hailstorms.

While there are a few different prayers for truck drivers, their spouses may like to recite one that was written by Lisa Wray and published on the Truckers Report website. The “Prayer of a Trucker’s Wife” reads as follows: Lord, bless this driver that I love watch and guide him from up above up all night to deliver a load. Keep him safe on that old road. Be his eyes, ears, and hands, reflexes quick for things unplanned In a world where troubles abound. Bring him home safe and sound. He’s my other half, you see. The one You made just for me. So, Father, hear this prayer that I pray Please protect him while he’s away. Amen.

Construction Workers

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Every year, since 2008, the Memorial Mass for Deceased Construction Workers – which is also known as the Annual Hardhat Mass – is held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. It honors the workers who were killed at construction sites in the city in the past year. As of the 2018 Mass, 166 construction workers had been honored since the first Mass was held. The patron saint for people in this profession is Saint Thomas the Apostle. In addition to calling upon the saint for his intercession for safety, construction workers – like all those in dangerous professions – can also call upon St. Jude for any situations that seem hopeless.

One prayer to St. Thomas the Apostle for everyone involved with the construction of a building is as follows: Dear Saint Thomas, you were once slow in believing that Christ had gloriously risen; but later, because you had seen Him, you exclaimed: "My Lord and my God!" According to an ancient story, you rendered most powerful assistance for constructing a church in a place where pagan priests opposed it. Please bless architects, builds and carpenters that through them the Lord may be honored. Amen.