The 3rd century soldier and martyr, Sebastian, is the most popular male saint chosen as a patron by young people receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation across the Diocese of Lansing. Meanwhile Saint Cecilia, the 3rd century Roman martyr and patroness of music, is the most popular female saint.
“I believe many young people, especially boys, select Sebastian as their patron and confirmation name due to the fact that he is the patron saint of athletes – and we live in a culture where sports and athletics are very popular,” says Brian Flynn, Director of Parish Youth Discipleship for the Diocese of Lansing, March 18.
“After surviving being tied to a tree and shot by arrows at the behest of the Roman emperor, Diocletian, Sebastian went to the emperor to warn him of his sins and was swiftly sent off to his martyrdom -- this level of strength and courage and faith is very inspiring to young people and thus the reason many select him as their patron.”
In total, 22 parishes contributed to the survey conducted by the Diocese of Lansing’s Office of New Evangelization. The figures capture confirmation names for 2024. Here are the results:
Top ten most popular male saints chosen as patron by confirmands across the Diocese of Lansing:
1. Saint Sebastian
2. Saint Francis of Assisi
3. Saint Michael
4. Saint Joseph
5. Saint Patrick
6. Saint James
7. Saint Peter
8. Saint Raphael
9. Saint Andrew
10. Saint Christopher
Top ten most popular female saints chosen as patron by confirmands across the Diocese of Lansing:
1. Saint Cecilia
2. Saint Agnes
3. Saint Elizabeth
4. Saint Faustina
5. Saint Joan of Arc
6. Saint Kateri Tekawitha
7. Saint Rose of Lima
8. Saint Teresa of Calcutta
9. Saint Therese of Lisieux
10. Saint Dymphna
The publication of the survey comes as Bishop Earl Boyea begins his tour of the Diocese of Lansing to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation upon this year’s confirmands, starting tomorrow at Holy Spirit parish in Brighton. Veni Sancte Spiritus! Come Holy Spirit!