Funeral Intercessors

Catholic devotion at the time of death turns to particular saints for intercession — St. Joseph, the patron of a happy death; St. Michael the Archangel, who escorts souls to God's presence; the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is invoked in every Hail Mary "now and at the hour of our death." These saints accompany the dying, console the bereaved, and pray for the souls of the faithful departed.

Saint Joseph
Feast day: March 19 (Solemnity); May 1 (St. Joseph the Worker)
The husband of Mary and earthly father of Jesus. Patron of fathers, husbands, families, workers, and a happy death.
The Blessed Virgin Mary
Feast day: January 1 (Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God); August 15 (Assumption); many other Marian feasts
The Mother of Jesus and Mother of the Church. Catholic devotion turns to her as the great intercessor for marriage, family life, and at the hour of death.
Saint Michael the Archangel
Feast day: September 29 (with Sts. Gabriel and Raphael)
One of the three archangels named in Scripture. In Catholic tradition, the angel who escorts the souls of the faithful at death and defends them against evil.
Saint Catherine of Alexandria
Feast day: November 25
A fourth-century martyr venerated for centuries as patroness against sudden death. One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers in Catholic devotion.
Saint Benedict of Nursia
Feast day: July 11
The 6th-century founder of Western monasticism. Patron of Europe and, in Catholic devotion, of a holy death.
Saint Faustina Kowalska
Feast day: October 5
A 20th-century Polish nun and mystic whose visions of Jesus' Divine Mercy reshaped Catholic devotion. Patroness of those at the hour of death.
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
Feast day: October 1
A 19th-century French Carmelite who taught the "Little Way" of holiness through small acts done with great love. Doctor of the Church and intercessor for the suffering and the dying.