In those denominations of Christianity which believe in the intercession of saints, the patron saint of a particular group of people is a saint who has special affinity for that group and its members. Prayers by such people are considered more likely to be answered by their patron saint. For example, Saint Christopher is generally thought of as the patron saint of travelers (although his veneration has been downplayed by the Roman Catholic Church because of the meager historical record), Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and the Irish and Saint James the Great is the patron of rheumatics and of Spain.
