St. Martha

Memorial Day: July 29

When did Saint Martha live: 1st century AD

BIOGRAPHY:
Saint Martha lived in Bethany, a small village near Jerusalem, and is still considered one of Jesus' closest confidants. In the Gospels, she was primarily described as a caring hostess, but Jesus criticized Martha's focus on the practical and earthly. A particularly important episode in her life was when Jesus raised her brother Lazarus from the dead. She showed great faith in Jesus' power to reign beyond death.

PATRONAGE:
St. Martha is the patron saint of housewives and housekeepers, cooks, servants, innkeepers and hoteliers. She also protects against dragons and dangerous animals.

SYMBOLISM, DEPICTION:
The symbols of San Martha are a water jug as a sign of her caring nature, a bunch of keys to emphasize her role as a housekeeper, a cooking ladle to underline her pragmatism and a broom, which symbolizes cleanliness and care.

PATRON SAINT OF:
Martha, Marta, Marthe, Märtha, Marfa