St. Elmo, also known as St. Erasmus, is the patron of sailors and stomach ailments and against storms. He was the bishop of Formiae, Campagna, Italy, and suffered an excruciating martyrdom during Diocletian’s persecution of the Christians. He once fled to Mount Lebanon during the persecution and lived a life of solitude there for some time, and according to tradition was fed by a raven.

After the emperor discovered his whereabouts, he was tortured and thrown in prison. Legend claims that an angel released him and he departed for Illyricum, and eventually suffered a martyr’s death.

St. Elmo is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, a group of saints invoked with special confidence because they have proven themselves efficacious helpers in adversity and difficulties.  St. Elmo is also invoked against stomach cramps and colic. This came about because he was tortured by having iron hooks stuck into his intestines by persecutors under Emperor Diocletian.

Legend records that when a blue light appears at mastheads before and after a storm, the seamen took it as a sign of St. Elmo’s protection. This was known as “St. Elmo’s fire”. The blue electrical discharges under certain atmospheric conditions have also been seen on the masts or riggings of ships.

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6 COMMENTS

  1. Friday, October 26,2012

    I request prayers to the Holy Trinity and Saint Elmo that our house, tenants, business, and property would be protected from damage; from this coming storm Sandy please! Thank-You all who are praying for my intention.

    I also thank the Holy Trinity and Saint Elmo!

    • Dear Gordon Justin,
      I have just read your prayer today June 2, 2017, I wanted to ask if you and yours were seen safely through that terrible storm – I pray that you were. I just learned of St. Elmo ,today is his day, he has touched me deeply of his horrific punishment. God Bless you and yours, your sister in Christ, Laura

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