Patronal Festivals and following the Saints

Have you ever walked past a church and noticed that its name is that of a saint? And have you ever wondered why so many churches seem to be called after saints? By the fourth century, it began to be the practice to dedicate new churches to a ‘patron’ saint. Images of that person were often displayed in the churches and the name of the saint would be displayed.

Today, many churches are dedicated to all kinds of saints, but some Christian denominations now do not use them to dedicate their buildings.

The Church of England’s Faith and Public Life team have shared some new resources to give churches practical ways to mark saint days.

Myths, Mysteries, Miracles and Missions: Following the Saints

Practical ways to mark St George’s Day: https://www.dioceseofnorwich.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/St-Georges-Day_Practical-Ways-to-Mark-the-Day_.pdf