Canada has two patron saints.
Since French Catholics were the first Europeans to settle Canada, they brought their religion and customs with them, including the assignment of patron saints.
St. Anne, the Virgin Mary’s mother, shares patronage of Canada with Mary’s husband, St. Joseph.
St. Anne is also the patron saint of housewives, cabinet makers, and all women in labour.
Her Roman Catholic feast day is July 26.
St. Joseph shares his patronage of Canada with Mexico, China, Belgium, and carpenters.
In 1870, Pope Pius IX (1792-1878) declared St. Joseph the universal patron of the church.
St. Joseph’s feast day is March 19.
