The Fourteen Auxiliary Saints are venerated together because their intercession was thought to be particularly effective, especially against various diseases. This group of Nothelfer (“helpers in need”) originated in the 14th century at first in the Rhineland, largely as a result of the epidemic (probably of bubonic plague) that became known as the Black Death.
(Name [Alternate]; Feast day; Patronage)
Agathius (Acacius); May 8; Against headache
Barbara; December 4; Against fever and sudden death
Blaise (Blase, Blasius); February 3; Against illness of the throat and for protection of domestic animals
Catherine of Alexandria; November 25; Against sudden death
Christopher; July 25; Against bubonic plague and dangers while traveling
Cyriacus; August 8; Against temptation on the death-bed
Denis (Dionysus); October 9; Against headache
Erasmus (Elmo); June 2; Against intestinal ailments
Eustace (Eustachius, Eustathius); September 20; Against family discord
George; April 23; For the health of domestic animals
Giles (Aegidius); September 1; Against plague, for a good confession, and for cripples, beggars and blacksmiths
Margaret of Antioch; July 20; During childbirth, and escape from devils
Pantaleon (Panteleimon); July 27; For physicians, and against cancer & tuberculosis
Vitus (Guy); June 15; Against epilepsy, lightning and for protection of domestic animals
