St. Florian is the patron saint of soapmakers (or soapboilers) and his feast day is May 4. I had so many questions about him and the Catholic craftspeople who prayed to him for intercession. Below, I’ve created a video lesson, free downloadable prayer cards for soapmakers, and a helpful article summary about our saint.
Video Lesson
St. Florian was a Roman military officer in the 3rd century AD. He “held an administrative post” in the province of Noricum. Refusing to persecute Christians, he experienced “Diocletian’s persecution” and died in year 304 AD when he “suffered a martyr’s death” in Lauriacum (Lorch, near Enns) in present-day Austria.
According to one legend, Saint Florian extinguished a fire in a town by using water and a bucket “after praying to God for assistance.” This act led to the association of Saint Florian with firefighters, soap boilers, brewers, and professionals that work with open flames and water. These people pray for his intercession for their safety while performing their crafts. Our beloved Saint Florian was courageous, steadfast in his faith, and is our faithful guardian against potential accidents or mishaps.
This connection between Catholic symbolism and soapmaking serves as a reminder that faithfully working in our trades can be done with deep meaning and intentionality. And, the beautiful soaps we create are meant to nourish body, soul, and spirit.
St. Florian gives me a deeper appreciation for the intersectionality between culture, religion, and craftsmanship.
Today, Catholic soapmakers continue to honor St. Florian as their patron saint, seeking his intercession for safety, inspiration, and success in their endeavors.
So next time you come across a depiction or mention of St. Florian in relation to soapmaking, brewing, or firefighting traditions, remember his remarkable life and the meaningful impact he had in history. When you indulge in your favorite bar of soap or admire the craftsmanship behind it, remember that there is a special connection between this humble product and an extraordinary saint who watches over those who create it – St. Florian, the patron saint of soapmakers.
St. Florian Prayer Cards for Soapmakers
These printable prayer cards serve as a source of inspiration and protection for soapmakers. Each card includes a special prayer for safety, creativity, and success in the craft.
Use these for personal inspiration or share them with your community.
References
Ludek. Bas-relief of St. Florian on the Florian Gate of Kraków. 12 Mar. 2007. Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Florian#/media/File:Brama_florianska_Florian.jpg. Accessed 4 Jan. 2024.
“Patron Saints.” New Catholic Encyclopedia, 2nd ed., vol. 10, Gale, 2003, pp. 969-976. New Catholic Encyclopedia, link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX3407708534/GVRL.NCEN?u=txshrpub100185&sid=bookmark-GVRL.NCEN&xid=71a180bf. Accessed 4 Jan. 2024.
WODKA, J. “Austria, The Catholic Church in.” New Catholic Encyclopedia, 2nd ed., vol. 1, Gale, 2003, pp. 908-918. New Catholic Encyclopedia, link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX3407700955/GVRL.NCEN?u=txshrpub100185&sid=bookmark-GVRL.NCEN&xid=8a71b5c4. Accessed 4 Jan. 2024.
Shannon, Josh. “Aetna Fire Engines Blessed on Feast of Saint Florian.” Newark Post, 4 May 2019, www.newarkpostonline.com/news/aetna-fire-engines-blessed-on-feast-of-saint-florian/article_afb18b19-e3ae-51a9-972d-d79d51c023a6.html.
