CultureAugust 28, 2026

patroness

PAY-truh-nis

Definition

A female saint or deity who is believed to protect, watch over, or advocate for a specific group, place, or activity.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'patronus' (protector/defender), the feminine suffix '-ess' was added in Middle English to specifically denote a female protector or patron.

In the news

The article uses the term to identify Our Lady of Mercy as the holy guardian and protector of the city of Rimini.

Catholic culture of love can counter the lies of hatred, power, pope says

Read the full article ↗

Catholic Saskatoon News

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