Editor’s Note: Matthew Chicoine interviewed Chris Lewis via phone call on August 7th, 2025. Some of the questions/answers have been rearranged, edited, and paraphrased to provide the best reader experience without losing any integrity of the answers given.
What inspired you to start creating Catholic art?
I had been a graphic designer for a number of years and I was a convert. I converted as a practicality to get married in the Church but eventually I started to have questions about the faith I accepted, and was being pulled to learn the faith for myself which led to a profound and authentic intellectual conversion. However in my 30’s I was diagnosed with lung cancer and this experience shook me spiritually. I learned I was grateful for my gifts and thought maybe I should use these gifts to help share the faith.
I started doing Catholic art for fun and as a cathartic experience. I used to be an illustrator. And I would hand-draw everything. I went into graphic design for stability.
When I started out sharing my sketches on social media my art took off. When you started Baritus Catholic in 2018, I was still working at my full-time graphic design job. Two years later, I decided to go full-time with Baritus Catholic.
How did you decide the name of your company?
I love reading ancient history. I was reading about the fall of the barbarians to the Romans in the 300s. There was a war cry that sounded like a trumpet, it was called “baritus”. That’s actually where we get the word baritone from. The war-cry and trumpeting reminded me of the angels ushering in the end time judgement in Revelation and the war-cry at Jericho in the Book of Joshua.
Editor’s Note: Matthew Chicoine interviewed Nichole Lanthier via phone call on May 14th, 2025. Some of the questions have been rearranged and edited to provide the best reader experience without losing any integrity of the answers given.
Your story includes a 10-year break from visual art before rediscovering it in 2018. What was that moment of rediscovery like, and how has your artistic voice evolved since returning to your creative roots?
It wasn’t so much as a break as I really didn’t pursue art beyond a hobby. I was focused more on music ministry before having kids.
I pulled out the art supplies and started drawing a picture for my friend’s (Katie McGrady) daughter for her birthday.
Drawing was a way for me to pray. I started making prints for people and eventually opened an Etsy Shop. I have taught myself the more technical aspects of artwork and am still trying to learn.
I’ve noticed your “pixel art” design of the Blessed Virgin Mary fighting Satan (My son and I love our t-shirts!). Could you share the inspiration behind this striking imagery and what message you hope it conveys?
There’s an old illuminated manuscript of a priest who sold his soul to the Devil and the Blessed Virgin Mary was protecting the priest’s soul. The kids and I thought this was a great story and decided this needed to be one of our pixel shirts.
How does your Catholic faith specifically inform your artistic choices, themes, and the subjects you choose to create?
It is everything I create. It’s what I do specifically, faith-based work. It is impossible to separate my faith from what I’m doing. As someone who creates for a living I feel like I have an obligation to create something that can inspire others and bring them to God.
What type of music ministry did you do?
I was a singer-songwriter. From 2003-2018 I did ministry music around our diocese. We worked at a lot of the youth events in our diocese. Now I get to sing in our cathedral choir and I prefer this type of music, so it’s been very nice.
Your art helps support your children’s Catholic education. How has this practical purpose influenced your approach to your business, and how do you balance the commercial aspects with the ministry side?
It’s really hard. Since we got married we agreed that I would stay home with the kids. We also prayed about sending our children to Catholic schools. And once we sent our first child to Catholic school my art work started to pick up. We have had to put a lot of trust in God.
Interestingly enough, I don’t have a ton of time to draw due to running the other facets of the business.
It has been a struggle to balance the commercial and ministry sides. I have had a desire to give away my work for free at times, but I have had to tell myself that my work still deserves pay. At the same time there have been various ministries and circumstances to donate. I do try to price my art to be as low as possible to make it affordable.
Many artists struggle with vulnerability in sharing their work. As someone who describes feeling “very green with art,” how has putting your creations into the world as expressions of faith challenged or strengthened you?
It has definitely challenged me and has been an exercise in humility. I get nervous putting some of my stuff out there. Part of it is vanity, worrying about what others think of me. I start picking myself apart and thinking about what others more advanced in art would say. I have learned to push through those things. Some days it is tough. I follow so many talented Catholic artists and sometimes compare myself to others.
If you could create a dream project that perfectly encapsulates what your ministry means to you, what would it look like?
I’m always wishing I could do some large oil paintings. I do have a very long list on my phone of things that I want to paint. The crazy thing is it’s tough to find time to create. Honestly, I would really love to get professional art training.
Have you ever thought about iconography?
I have thought about it, but my husband is much more interested in that. He actually has an art degree, he took his career in a different direction.
How do you prepare yourself in terms of devotions or prayer before you create an artwork?
I try to listen to chant and get into as much of a contemplative state as possible. I love Saints Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross. I also have a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother of God. I really do enjoy drawing images of the Holy Family in their humanity and in their daily life.
I have plans in my list of doing more artwork focused on the Holy Family.
Where is the best place for my readers to find more of your work?
Right now everything is on my Etsy shop.
About Nichole:
Nichole Lanthier is a wife, mother of five, and artist living in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She strives to create pieces that will encourage others to turn their hearts and minds to God. Her work can be found in her etsy shop, at nicholelanthier.etsy.com.
Sponsored: This article is made possible by Pockets of Heaven, supporting quality and engaging Catholic content.
Evangelizing children isn’t always about complex theological lessons or far-off mission trips. Sometimes, the most powerful encounters with God happen right in your own backyard or even your living room. Just as adults benefit from pilgrimages that draw them closer to God, children can encounter Christ through small, intentional “journeys” of faith that fit within everyday life.
Let’s explore how these small pilgrimages can help pass on the faith to your kids while strengthening your domestic church.
The Domestic Church: Where Evangelization Begins
The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us of the parents’ vital role:
“Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service are the rule… Parents have a grave responsibility to give good example to their children” (CCC 2223).
In many ways, the home itself becomes a sort of permanent pilgrimage site, a sacred place where children encounter God daily through prayer, forgiveness, service, and love.
As I’ve written before, even small actions like having holy images in your home, praying before meals, answering questions during Mass, or visiting a local Catholic bookstore create micro-moments of evangelization. One of my daughters, for example, loves flipping through pamphlets about the Eucharist. That small curiosity leads to natural conversations about the Real Presence. These little moments plant seeds that the Holy Spirit can grow over time.
Adding sacramentals and liturgical resources to your home can also help foster these everyday encounters. Catholic businesses like Pockets of Heaven provide beautiful, handcrafted tools that help families create prayer spaces, celebrate feast days, and make the liturgical year come alive for kids in simple but meaningful ways.
You don’t need a master’s degree in theology to evangelize your kids. What matters most is creating a loving environment where faith is part of daily life, where Christ is present in both words and actions.
Pilgrimages Teach Kids That Life is a Journey Toward God
Father Dave Pivonka wisely reminds us that “Every single one of us is a pilgrim on a journey. For us Christians, as Pope St. John Paul II said, this journey should ultimately lead us to the heart of the Father.”
Pilgrimages, whether big or small, teach kids that faith is not static. It’s a living, breathing adventure toward God’s heart. And this journey doesn’t require international travel. While trips to Lourdes, Fatima, or Rome are beautiful, they’re not necessary to experience the graces of pilgrimage.
Small pilgrimages could include:
Visiting your diocesan cathedral for Mass.
Spending an hour in adoration at a nearby chapel.
Walking as a family to a local Marian shrine.
Going on a nature walk while praying the Rosary.
Visiting a cemetery and praying for the dead on All Souls’ Day.
These intentional acts pull kids out of their daily routines and help them encounter God anew. As Fr. Pivonka puts it, “Do something intentional that takes you out of your ordinary routine. Seek to encounter Jesus. You will be amazed what God can do in your heart.”
The Sacraments: Theological Rest Stops Along the Journey
Life is exhausting. I’ve written before how my own fatigue nearly led me to despair. Yet, in that weakness, I was reminded of Bishop Paul Swain’s beautiful words:
“Sacraments are not the end or graduation of the Catholic life, rather sacraments act as theological rest stops to give us strength.”
Confession, for example, is like a pit stop where we release burdens and receive grace to keep walking. As the Catechism explains, “The sacrament of Penance repairs or restores [fraternal communion]” (CCC 1469).
The Eucharist provides nourishment for the journey ahead — our manna in the desert:
“The principal fruit of receiving the Eucharist in Holy Communion is an intimate union with Christ Jesus… Life in Christ has its foundation in the Eucharistic banquet” (CCC 1391).
And marriage? It’s not simply a contract but a covenant of mutual sacrifice. As I’ve joked before, marriage often feels like a holy war against pride, impatience, and selfishness. But it’s also a place of peace, where we strategize, rest, and receive grace for the road ahead.
When we bring our children into these sacramental rest stops by taking them to Confession, preparing them for First Holy Communion, and witnessing the beauty of a sacramental marriage, we’re showing them how to draw strength for their own pilgrim journey.
Penance, Solidarity, and Thanksgiving — Lessons Even Kids Can Learn
Pilgrimage isn’t always comfortable. Fr. Pivonka shares stories of pilgrims enduring blistering heat, unexpected thunderstorms, and travel mishaps. Yet these struggles become opportunities for offering penance, teaching kids a profound lesson: suffering can be united to prayer.
On a small pilgrimage to a local shrine, a child might get tired or frustrated. That’s a chance to gently explain:
“You can offer this tiredness for Grandma who’s sick, or for a friend who’s struggling.”
Solidarity is another beautiful fruit of pilgrimage. Whether walking together as a family or participating in parish events, kids learn that they’re not alone in their faith. They belong to the wider Body of Christ — a Church filled with fellow pilgrims, saints, and sinners all journeying home.
Finally, pilgrimages naturally lead to thanksgiving. As Fr. Pivonka writes about his own Camino de Santiago:
“Going on pilgrimage does something to our hearts and to how we see the world… We begin to see [God] in places where we didn’t before.”
When kids see the beauty of God in creation, family, sacraments, and community, gratitude becomes a habit that sustains their faith long after the pilgrimage ends. Even creating little “pockets of heaven” in our homes — through prayer corners, seasonal decor, or feast day celebrations — can help foster that spirit of gratitude.
Evangelizing our kids doesn’t require perfect words or elaborate plans. It begins with small acts of intentionality, small pilgrimages of the heart, the home, and even the neighborhood.
As parents, our job is to guide our children toward Christ through daily witness, sacramental life, and occasional small pilgrimages that draw them deeper into God’s presence. With each little step, they’ll discover that their whole life is a beautiful, lifelong journey toward the Father.
As Proverbs 16:3 reminds us:
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
Buen Camino.
Thanks again to today’s article sponsor! Visit Pockets of Heaven where you’ll find resources to help your children journey with Jesus, Mary, and the Saints in the pockets of everyday life.
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Faith-Based Alignment and Understanding
A Catholic financial advisor understands the values and moral teachings that shape Catholic life. Unlike solely secular advisors, they are equipped to guide clients in making choices that reflect Church doctrine, such as avoiding investments in industries contrary to Catholic teaching (e.g., respect for life, pornography, gambling, or arms manufacturing). This alignment ensures your financial plan supports both material well-being and spiritual integrity.
Stewardship and Generosity
Catholic tradition emphasizes stewardship: the belief that all we possess is ultimately a gift from God, entrusted to us for wise use and for the good of others. As Saint John Chrysostom taught, “The rich man is not one who is in possession of much, but one who gives much.” A Catholic financial advisor encourages generosity, helping clients incorporate charitable giving and support for the Church and community as essential elements of their financial strategy.
Guidance Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic social teaching provides a moral framework for economic life, emphasizing human dignity, the common good, and a preferential option for the poor. Pope Benedict XVI, in his encyclical Caritas in Veritate, offers a profound reminder:
“Charity goes beyond justice, because to love is to give, to offer what is ‘mine’ to the other; but it never lacks justice, which prompts us to give the other what is his, what is due to him by reason of his being or his acting. … Justice is the primary way of charity or, in Paul VI’s words, ‘the minimum measure’ of it.”
A Catholic financial advisor helps clients navigate these teachings, ensuring that financial decisions are not just profitable, but also just and compassionate.
Ethical Investment and Legacy Planning
A Catholic financial advisor is uniquely positioned to help clients pursue “faith based investing”-choosing portfolios that exclude companies whose practices conflict with Church values and prioritizing those that promote human dignity and the common good. They can also guide families through estate planning, ensuring that wills, trusts, and end-of-life directives respect Catholic moral principles regarding life, death, and the afterlife.
Professionalism: Licensed and Fiduciary
It is essential that your Catholic financial advisor is not only faith-aligned but also properly licensed and acts as a fiduciary. A licensed professional has met rigorous education and ethical standards, ensuring they are qualified to advise you on complex financial matters. As a fiduciary, your planner is legally and ethically obligated to put your best interests first, offering unbiased advice and transparent recommendations. This combination of professional integrity and faith-based guidance provides the highest level of trust and accountability.
Practical and Spiritual Benefits
Working with a Catholic financial advisor provides peace of mind, knowing your financial journey is guided by both professional expertise and a commitment to faith. It fosters a holistic approach-balancing prudent planning with trust in God’s providence, and integrating generosity, responsibility, and purpose into every decision.
A Catholic financial advisor does more than manage money—they help you live out your faith through your finances, leaving a legacy that honors God and serves others.
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While the Lamb of God and the Lion of Judah are the most obvious and biblically clear animal symbols for Jesus Christ, the pelican is an under-rated symbol that is rich in meaning and beauty. There are many birds used in Christian history to represent God: like the dove for the Holy Spirit and even the Mother Hen as an analogy to speak of Christ’s protection of his people in Luke 13:31-35.
Honestly, I had never heard about the pelican as a symbol of Jesus Christ until a few years ago. Since discovering this powerful symbol I have started to notice it more and more in various parishes where I have attended Mass over the years. I have seen etchings of this majestic bird on pillars at the cathedral in my city and have seen the pelican adorned on altars in a variety of ways.
A Symbol Hidden in Plain Sight
I traveled to Italy during college and visited both Assisi and Rome. I wish I had known about the pelican symbol back then because I would have seen some beautiful portrayals of this symbol of Christ in those awesome churches. Before learning about its spiritual significance, the only time I really thought about pelicans was when looking up NBA scores and seeing the New Orleans Pelicans! It’s amazing how something can transform from mundane to meaningful once you understand its deeper significance.
Today, I wear a pelican brown scapular (I alternate it with my traditional style brown scapular every other day), and I received an awesome pelican t-shirt from Archangel Outfitters to celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi. These small reminders help keep this powerful symbol of Christ’s sacrifice close to my heart.
This is one of the coolest shirts I own. I wear it almost weekly. It’s perfect for the summertime!
An Ancient Legend Transformed
The image of the mother pelican feeding her baby pelicans is rooted in several ancient Roman legends that precede Christianity. One version is that in time of famine, the mother pelican wounded herself, striking her breast with her beak to feed her young with her blood. Another version was that the mother fed her dying young with her blood to revive them from death, but in turn lost her own life.
Given these traditions, one can easily understand how early Christians adapted it to symbolize our Lord, Jesus Christ. The pelican symbolizes Jesus our Redeemer who gave His life for our redemption and feeds us with His Body and Blood in the Eucharist. We were dead to sin and have found new life through the sacrifice of Christ.
The Biblical Connection
While the pelican doesn’t appear directly in Scripture as a symbol for Christ, Jesus himself uses bird imagery to describe his protective love. In Luke 13:31-35, after Pharisees warn him about Herod’s death threats, Jesus laments over Jerusalem:
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, yet you were not willing.”
This tender image of a mother bird gathering her young under wings for protection parallels the sacrificial nature of the pelican legend. Both emphasize Christ’s desire to protect, nourish, and save his people, even at great personal cost.
As Jesus told his disciples (and us), “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Saint Cyril of Alexandria echoed this when he wrote, “Christ came into this world in human flesh not to be served, but, as he himself said, to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
The Physiologus and Medieval Symbolism
This tradition and others is found in the Physiologus, an early Christian work which appeared in the second century in Alexandria, Egypt. Written by an anonymous author, this text recorded legends of animals and gave each an allegorical interpretation.
The legend of the pelican is described: “The little pelicans strike their parents, and the parents, striking back, kill them. But on the third day the mother pelican strikes and opens her side and pours blood over her dead young. In this way they are revivified and made well. So Our Lord Jesus Christ says also through the prophet Isaiah: I have brought up children and exalted them, but they have despised me (Is 1:2). We struck God by serving the creature rather than the Creator. Therefore, He deigned to ascend the cross, and when His side was pierced, blood and water gushed forth unto our salvation and eternal life.”
This work was noted by numerous authors and was popular in the Middle Ages as a source for the symbols used in stone carvings and other artwork of that period.
The Pelican in Literature
The pelican symbol appears frequently in Renaissance literature. In 1312, Dante wrote in his “Paridiso” of Christ as “our Pelican who shed His blood in order to give eternal life to the children of men.” In 1606, John Lyly wrote in his “Euphues” of the “pelicane who stricketh blood out of its owne bodye to do others good.” Even Shakespeare referenced this symbolism in Hamlet: “to his good friend thus wide, I’ll open my arms and, like the kind, life-rendering pelican repast them with my blood.” In modern English this would translate as: “I’ll open my arms wide to his true friends, and like a mother pelican with her brood, I’ll even give my blood for them.”
Jesus cares for us like the mother pelican cares for her young.
The Eucharistic Connection
The pelican has been part of our liturgical tradition for centuries. In his great Eucharistic hymn “Adoro te devote,” St. Thomas Aquinas directly addresses Christ as the “pie pelicane, Jesu Domine” (the pious pelican, Lord Jesus), asking him to “wash my filthiness and clean me with your blood.”
This Eucharistic connection is why we often see the pelican image on tabernacles, altar frontals, and other church furnishings. The image powerfully reminds us of Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist, where He continues to feed us with His Body and Blood.
As Saint Pio of Pietrelcina said, “It would be easier for the world to survive without the sun than to do without Holy Mass.” The Eucharist is not merely a symbol but the very life of Christ given to sustain us spiritually, just as the pelican in the legend sustains her young with her own blood.
Saint John Paul II reminded us that “Jesus waits for us in this sacrament of love.” The image of the pelican helps us visualize this profound truth—Christ giving Himself completely for our salvation and nourishment.
Finding the Pelican in Our Churches
Next time you’re in a church, especially an older one with traditional furnishings, look around carefully. You might spot a pelican carved on an altar, etched in a stained glass window, or painted on a tabernacle door. These images aren’t random decorations but powerful reminders of Christ’s sacrificial love.
In Catholic tradition, the pelican image on a tabernacle door symbolizes the “body of Christ” within. But more commonly, the pelican symbol is found at the top of the cross in late-medieval and Renaissance Crucifixion images, reinforcing the connection between Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and the nourishment we receive in the Eucharist.
The pelican serves as a beautiful reminder that Christ not only died for us but continues to feed us with His very life. As we receive the Eucharist, we can meditate on this ancient symbol and be thankful for the Lord who, like the pelican of legend, gives His very life to sustain His children.
Thanks again to today’s post sponsor! Visit Archangel Outfitters for cool and awesome Catholic apparel!
Editor’s Note: Matthew Chicoine interviewed Joe Coleman via phone call on March 12th, 2025. Some of the questions have been rearranged and edited to provide the best reader experience without losing any integrity of the answers given.
What inspired you to specifically focus on helping Catholic business owners with their podcasts rather than pursuing a broader market?
We work with pretty much anyone who wants to create Catholic content but our primary focus is Catholic business owners. I have audio-produced a variety of Catholic projects over the years. I really didn’t see serving this specific niche. It seemed to be that Catholics who are running businesses according to the teachings of the Gospel were underserved. It fills a need that hasn’t gotten as much attention as non-profits and ministry.
How did your experience at KNOM Radio in Alaska shape your approach to podcast production?
That’s a good question, I worked at KNOM as a producer, on-air host, and a writer. I am very grateful to KNOM for teaching me about the fundamentals of audio-production. A large part of what I did was in-studio interviews or longer form audio packages. I got experience in storytelling and what makes a good conversation. I learned how to help guests get their point across.
You mention that podcasts are “the best medium to build audience trust” – can you share an example where you’ve seen this trust develop between a Catholic business owner and their audience?
We helped develop a podcast called Making Every Class Catholic by Dr. Brett Falkeld where he talked to Catholic educators. He used the podcast to talk to interesting people like the Archbishop of Vancouver. He provided this content for professional and personal enrichment to show how teachers can make all their classes Catholic. He used the podcast to drive people to his subscription community for educational resources. The podcast was a marketing vehicle to help his business to be the first point of contact.
One of the best things about broadcasting is that you can talk about a problem that speaks to the listeners and makes them feel like you are having this one-on-one conversation. You can scale this conversation while still keeping it intimate.
Saint Maximilian Kolbe is your studio’s namesake – how does his legacy influence your work philosophy?
He has a newspaper/periodical that is still in existence: Knight of the Immaculata. Because of this, one of his patronages is that of communication. His biggest claim to fame is his sacrifice in Auschwitz. It is easy to lose sight of heroism in modernity. It is easy to forget that you still can do great things. Our studio is to help businesses tell great stories. We strive for excellence and holiness like the saints. While I will likely not reach the same level as Saint Maximilian, he is still a good model to look up to and inspire myself and my business.
What’s the most significant transformation you’ve witnessed in a client’s business after launching their podcast?
I think of Dr. Falkeld’s podcast. Using it as a marketing vehicle is powerful. The podcast is still a source of traffic to his community. Podcasts as a medium are playing the long-game. You can play the short game with viral posts on social media. But podcasting in general is playing the long-game.
I think the reality is that not everyone is going to be seeing immediate success. Think in terms of months and years versus days. It’s tough to say any business is going to be transformed right away when launching a podcast.
We produce a show called Catching Foxes. It has been going on for ten years. The personal fulfillment the hosts continue to receive from this experience is invaluable to the amount of friends they developed through their podcast.
Looking ahead, how do you see Catholic podcasting evolving over the next few years?
That’s a good question! I think that space probably expands. It will likely evolve similar to how the podcasting industry in general has expanded. The fact we had presidential candidates this past year going on podcasts. Four years ago this was inconceivable.
The one objection I hear is that the market is so saturated. While there are a lot of podcasts, there is not a saturation of high quality Catholic podcasts. For every Pints with Aquinas, there are 100 “not- Pints with Aquinas”.
The Catholic world moves slow in the tech space. There’s still time to hop on and start a podcast that’s high quality.
Where’s the best way for my readers to learn more about your work?
Joe Coleman is the Founder and Director of Audio Production at Saint Kolbe Studios. He started his audio career in 2019 as an on-air host, producer, and writer at the oldest Catholic radio station in the US, KNOM Radio in Nome, Alaska. Now, he lives in Tyler, Texas with his wife and soon-to-be-born daughter. P.S. Want a free podcast studio? Seriously! Saint Kolbe Studios is giving away five full podcast setups to new retainer clients. We want to lower the barrier to entry and help you tell your story. Head to saintkolbestudios.com to learn more.
Sponsored: This article is made possible by Campos Financial Group, supporting quality and engaging Catholic content.
In our complicated financial world, Catholics who want to manage their money while staying true to their faith can turn to several powerful intercessors for guidance. The patron saints of finance offer not just heavenly assistance, but also inspiring examples of how to approach wealth and material goods with spiritual wisdom. Guided by the words of Pope St. John Paul II in Centesimus Annus, “it is not wrong to want to live better; what is wrong is a style of life which is presumed to be better when it is directed towards ‘having’ rather than ‘being,’ and which wants to have more, not in order to be more but in order to spend life in enjoyment as an end in itself.”
Saint Matthew: From Tax Collector to Apostle
Saint Matthew’s journey from tax collector to apostle provides a profound lesson in transforming our relationship with money. Before his encounter with Christ, Matthew sat in his tax booth, focused entirely on worldly wealth. As a tax collector in first-century Palestine, his fellow Jews viewed him with contempt, seeing him as a collaborator with the Roman Empire who often enriched himself through excessive collections.
Yet when Jesus approached his booth and simply said “Follow me,” Matthew’s response was immediate and complete. He abandoned his lucrative position to become a disciple, demonstrating that true wealth lies not in earthly possessions but in following Christ. This dramatic conversion reminds us that money itself is not evil, but rather must be subordinate to God, the one true Good.
In Matthew’s own Gospel, he records Jesus’s challenging words: “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Matthew 19:21). While not everyone is called to a life of material poverty, this teaching reveals a fundamental truth about Christian stewardship: we are all called to be generous with our gifts—whether time, talent, or treasure. The key lies not in the amount we possess, but in our willingness to let Jesus transform how we view and use our resources.
Matthew’s Gospel offers particular insight into financial matters. As someone who once lived for wealth, his writings emphasize Jesus’s teachings about money with special clarity. “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be” (Matthew 6:21), he records Jesus saying. Similarly, he shares Christ’s stark warning that “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).
Saint Jude: Hope in Impossible Financial Situations
Known as the patron saint of impossible causes, Saint Jude also extends his intercession to those facing seemingly insurmountable financial challenges. When bank accounts run dry, debts pile up, or financial solutions seem nowhere in sight, Saint Jude reminds us that with God, all things are possible. His patronage offers hope to those who feel their financial situation is beyond repair.
As Pope Francis reminds us, “The current financial crisis can make us overlook the fact that it originated in a profound human crisis: the denial of the primacy of the human person!” Saint Jude’s intercession helps us remember that financial challenges are ultimately human challenges, requiring both material and spiritual solutions.
Saint Anthony: Finding Lost Resources
While Saint Anthony of Padua is commonly invoked for finding lost keys or misplaced items, his connection to financial matters runs much deeper. In 1231, he demonstrated remarkable advocacy for the poor by petitioning the Council of Padua to establish laws protecting debtors from predatory lending practices. At a time when money lenders charged excessive interest rates, Saint Anthony fought to reform a system that exploited the desperate.
A powerful story illustrates Saint Anthony’s intercession in financial matters: After murderers killed her husband and stole their money, a medieval woman turned to Saint Anthony in prayer. Through his intercession, she miraculously recovered the coins. This account, along with Saint Anthony’s reputation for generosity and compassion toward the poor, led many Catholics to seek his help with financial difficulties.
For those seeking Saint Anthony’s intercession in financial matters, this traditional prayer is often recited:
“O blessed St. Anthony, the grace of God has made you a powerful advocate in all necessities and the patron for the restoration of things lost or stolen. To you I turn today, with childlike love and heartfelt confidence, so that you may obtain for me the favor I request in this prayer. (Mention your specific request here).
O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the infant Jesus, who loved to linger in your arms, and that of His Blessed Mother Mary, and obtain for me the granting of my request. If it be God’s holy will and for my best intentions. St. Anthony, help me to find the peace my heart desires and the financial freedom to be generous toward others. Thank you, dear St. Anthony. Amen.”
Living Their Virtues Today
These saints exemplified virtues crucial for sound financial stewardship: persistence in the face of challenges, unwavering trust in divine providence, and complete obedience to God’s will. These saints exemplified virtues crucial for sound financial stewardship: persistence in the face of challenges, unwavering trust in divine providence, and complete obedience to God’s will.
Through his conversion, Matthew revealed that true wealth flows from following Christ. Hope springs eternal in Jude’s intercession, even when financial obstacles seem insurmountable. By advocating for just financial systems while serving those in need, Anthony demonstrated how we can use our resources to benefit others.
As Saint John Chrysostom wisely noted, “The rich man is not one who is in possession of much, but one who gives much.” This profound truth echoes through the examples of our patron saints of finance. Pope Francis further emphasizes this point when he warns that in our modern economy, “man is reduced to one of his needs alone: consumption.” Our patron saints show us a different way.
Their examples challenge modern Catholics to examine their relationship with money. Are we, like Matthew, willing to subordinate financial concerns to spiritual priorities? Do we, like Jude, maintain hope when facing financial difficulties? Can we, like Anthony, use our resources to help others while fighting against unjust financial practices?
Through their intercession and example, these patron saints of finance guide us toward managing our resources in ways that honor God and serve our neighbors. They remind us that true prosperity isn’t measured by the balance in our bank accounts, but by the richness of our relationship with God.
