A portrait of St. Quiteria
St. Quiteria
d. c. 5th century, traditional
Feast
May 22 · V c.
Patron of
Rabies protection · Young women · Difficult family situations
Order
Virgin / Martyr
Iberian-Gallic virgin martyr (5th century, traditional), one of nonuplet sisters of a Galician chieftain, exposed at birth by her pagan mother and reared secretly as a Christian; hunted down and beheaded for refusing forced marriage to a pagan suitor. Patroness against rabies (her relics at Aire-sur-l'Adour invoked for the cure). Pre-Congregation; biography legendary.
Life & Times
Died: c. 5th century, traditional · From: Portugal / Spain / France, traditions vary.
Patronage
St. Quiteria is invoked as the patron of rabies protection, young women, difficult family situations. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
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Devotional items honoring St. Quiteria, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.
About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Quiteria, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.