The patron saint of joy is St. Philip Neri, a native of Italy who served as a priest from 1551 to 1595. He lay the groundwork for what became the Congregation of the Oratory. Philip Neri was born July 21, 1515, in Florence. He attended university in Rome -- tutoring two boys to make ends meet, while he devoted himself to religious studies. While praying in the catacombs in Rome one night in 1544, he experienced an epiphany which changed his life. He sold his books and spent the next thirteen years as a lay minister in Rome. Neri's winning and loving manner drew many to him, and he encouraged young men to give their lives to prayer and good works. He and his congregation, who became known as the Priests of the Oratory, visited and worked in hospitals, discussed spiritual matters, and enjoyed prayer and music. He was eventually ordained. Other priests, bishops, even cardinals and popes, looked to him for advice and guidance on spiritual matters. The pope hoped to make him a cardinal, but St. Philip Neri would rather minister to the common people. Upon his death in 1595, it was discovered he had an enlarged heart, which was ascribed to his mystical ecstasy in 1544. St. Philip Neri was canonized in 1622. His unfailing good humour resulted in his naming as the patron saint of practical jokers and the patron saint of joy. His feast day is May 26, the date of his death. An interesting piece of trivia is - while St Philip Neri is the patron saint of joy -- it's difficult to find a picture of him looking joyful. In the "virtual oratory" - a group that draw inspirations from St. Philip Neri - on it's Web site (http://www.thevirtualoratory.com) requests anyone who locates a picture joyful picture of St. Philip Neri to let them know. The patron saint of joy is St. Philip Neri, a native of Italy who served as a priest from 1551 to 1595. He lay the groundwork for what became the Congregation of the Oratory. Philip Neri was born July 21, 1515, in Florence. He attended university in Rome -- tutoring two boys to make ends meet, while he devoted himself to religious studies. While praying in the catacombs in Rome one night in 1544, he experienced an epiphany which changed his life. He sold his books and spent the next thirteen years as a lay minister in Rome. Neri's winning and loving manner drew many to him, and he encouraged young men to give their lives to prayer and good works. He and his congregation, who became known as the Priests of the Oratory, visited and worked in hospitals, discussed spiritual matters, and enjoyed prayer and music. He was eventually ordained. Other priests, bishops, even cardinals and popes, looked to him for advice and guidance on spiritual matters. The pope hoped to make him a cardinal, but St. Philip Neri would rather minister to the common people. Upon his death in 1595, it was discovered he had an enlarged heart, which was ascribed to his mystical ecstasy in 1544. St. Philip Neri was canonized in 1622. His unfailing good humour resulted in his naming as the patron saint of practical jokers and the patron saint of joy. His feast day is May 26, the date of his death. An interesting piece of trivia is - while St Philip Neri is the patron saint of joy -- it's difficult to find a picture of him looking joyful. In the "virtual oratory" - a group that draw inspirations from St. Philip Neri - on it's Web site (http://www.thevirtualoratory.com) requests anyone who locates a picture joyful picture of St. Philip Neri to let them know.
The Patron Saint Inex lists no patron saints of bears.
A patron saint is supposed to be a protector in the Catholic religion. Patron Saint Angelico is the patron saint of artists. A patron saint is a protector of life.
As per the Patron Saint Index, there is no patron saint of wrestlers. However, Saint Sebastian is the patron saint of all athletics and athletes.
Saint Lillian is not a patron saint as per the Patron Saint Index.
There is a patron saint of Wales but no patron saint of whales.
Well, isn't that a delightful question! While there isn't an official patron saint of bowling, you can always think of Saint Sebastian, known for his protection during times of sports and competition. Just imagine him watching over bowlers, guiding their aim and bringing joy to their game.
There is no patron saint of voting.
There is no patron saint of color.
There is no patron saint of red heads as per the Patron Saint Index.
As per the Patron Saint Index, Saint Cedd is not a patron saint at this time.
Saint David is not a patron saint of England. He is the patron saint of Wales.
There is no canonized saint who is the patron of shopping.