Our united parish is blessed to have many patron saints praying for us as we work together to live out the Gospel message. Each of these individuals has guided a segment of our parish community for many years, and now that we are united together as one parish, there is so much we all can learn about these powerful witnesses to the faith. Their example helps bring us closer to Jesus as his disciples on Earth.
Religious Order Patrons
(Related to the schools within the boundaries of the parish)
Order of Friars Minor, Province of the Immaculate Conception - Saint Pamphilus
For 58 years, Saint Pamphilus church was served by the Franciscans, a mendicant order founded by Saint Francis of Assisi. Though Francis, like so many saints, was born into a wealthy family, he gave his wealth to the poor and devoted his life to serving the Church. He travelled with a group of like-minded followers to preach and minister to those in need. He discovered his vocation through a vision where Jesus told him to “rebuild my church.” Saint Francis, the saint that inspired Pope Francis’ name, also is one of several saints to have the stigmata- the wound of Christ on his hands and feet. Saint Francis is the patron saint of animals.
Sisters of Saint Joseph - Saint Catherine of Siena School
For 83 years, the Sisters of Saint Joseph staffed Saint Catherine of Siena School in Beechview. As the husband of Mary, Joseph was faithful to his wife and willingly accepted God’s will for him to care for his family, especially Jesus, the son of God. Joseph was visited by an angel multiple times in dreams which guided him as a member of the Holy Family. Saint Joseph is the patron saint of a happy death and of the Universal Church, and he is a great role model for all fathers! The Sisters of Saint Joseph can trace their roots to pre-revolution France where they were founded by a Jesuit priest. After the revolution, when many previously suppressed orders were revived, Mother Jeanne Fontbonne re-founded the congregation, and the sisters branched out throughout the world.
Benedictine Sisters- Saint Pius X School
For many years, Saint Pius X School was staffed by the Benedictine Sisters, an order of sisters named after Saint Benedict. While Benedict founded monasteries for priests, his twin sister, Saint Scholastica, founded convents for sisters. Saint Benedict devised a series of guidelines for monks to follow in their prayer, communal, and ministerial life called the “Rule of Saint Benedict” which other religious orders have adopted. Saint Benedict is the patron saint against poison and Saint Scholastica is a patron saint of religious sisters and the patron against storms and rain.
Sisters of Charity - Resurrection School and Elizabeth Seton High School
The Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill have deep ties in our community, as they served Resurrection School, Elizabeth Seton High School, and later, Seton-La Salle. They continue to live in residence at Seton Center on Pioneer Avenue and have a presence at the center’s senior and youth programs. Elizabeth endured many struggles throughout her life, but education, which was a primary concern of her father, became her life’s work. After her husband died, she eventually felt called to the Catholic Church and embarked on a journey of religious life. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is the first person born in the United States to become a saint and opened our country’s first parochial school.
Our Lady of Loreto School- Apostles of the Sacred Heart - Our Lady of Loreto School
Blessed Clelia Merloni was born into a wealthy, Italian family, and her family wanted her to join them in the business world. Her faith and zeal lead her, however, to religious life. She founded the Apostles of the Sacred Heart, and they were called to be missionaries and teachers. The first part of their motto, Caritas Christi Urgent Nos, means the love of Christ impels us. We are called to share the love of Jesus with those we encounter.
Brothers of the Christian Schools - South Hills Catholic High School
The Christian Brothers served both South Hills Catholic High School and Seton-La Salle, and its name comes from their founder, Saint John Baptist de La Salle. While the Christian Brothers no longer have a presence at Seton-La Salle, they still have a presence at Central Catholic High School in Oakland. Saint John Baptist de La Salle was a French priest who gave his wealth to the poor and after a chance meeting with a teacher, he became involved in the founding and expansion of a series of schools for poor boys. The teachers he mentored became the first Christian Brothers, and he is the patron saint of all teachers.
Saint John Bosco
(1815-1888)
In its 107 years of providing a quality, Catholic education to the students entrusted to its care in our city neighborhoods, our parish school in its final years adopted the name of a great educator saint: Saint John Bosco.
Born to a devout, Italian Catholic family in 1815, John Bosco had early desires to become a priest and live out the Gospel message. He even had a dream which called him to dedicate himself to the education of young people. His dream of becoming a priest was realized after years of seminary study and a series of stints working as a farmer, tailor, shoemaker, baker, and a carpenter to pay for his time in the seminary. His years being reared by a single mother after his father’s death and his time on his own likely contributed to his ministry of serving youth who were abandoned or needed support.
As an educator, John Bosco worked with students from poor families and who had discipline issues. He adopted discipline policies rooted in love, not punishment, and his compassionate approach led to the establishment of the Society of Saint Francis de Sales, commonly known as the Salesians. He is also known as “Don Bosco” which is Italian for Father Bosco. Aside from being a great educator saint, he is the patron saint of young people and editors.
O God, who raised up the priest, Saint John Bosco as a father and teacher of the young, grant we pray, that, aflame with the same fire of love, we may seek out souls and serve you alone. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Catholic Church celebrates Saint John Bosco on January 31