Bl. Urban V (1310–1370) is one of the beloved saints of the Catholic Church. Urban V was a French Benedictine monk who served as pope from 1362 to 1370 during the Avignon papacy. He attempted to return the papacy to Rome but was eventually forced to go back to Avignon. He was known for his personal holiness, promoting education, and founding universities. The Church celebrates Bl. Urban V's feast on 12-19.
Catholic Daily brings you the life of Bl. Urban V as part of our commitment to helping Catholics encounter the saints of the liturgical calendar every morning. Whether you are discovering Bl. Urban V for the first time or deepening a long-standing devotion, this page offers biography, prayers, and practical guidance for honoring this holy patron in your daily life.
Early Life and Calling of Bl. Urban V
Urban V was a French Benedictine monk who served as pope from 1362 to 1370 during the Avignon papacy. He attempted to return the papacy to Rome but was eventually forced to go back to Avignon. He was known for his personal holiness, promoting education, and founding universities.
The vocation of Bl. Urban V reminds us that holiness is not the exclusive domain of monks and nuns but the universal call of every baptized Christian. The Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium teaches that all the faithful are called to the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity — and Bl. Urban V's life is a shining example of that universal call answered with total generosity.
Patron Saint: Universities, education
Bl. Urban V is honored as the patron saint of Universities, education. The designation of patron saints is a beautiful expression of the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the saints in heaven are not distant figures from the past but active intercessors who accompany us in our earthly journey.
Those who work in or are associated with Universities have traditionally invoked Bl. Urban V's intercession for protection, guidance, and grace in their particular circumstances. The patronage of Bl. Urban V is grounded in the specific details of V's life and ministry, which created a lasting bond between this saint and those who share similar callings or needs.
How to Honor Bl. Urban V in Your Daily Life
The Church's tradition offers many beautiful ways to honor Bl. Urban V and seek V's intercession:
On the Feast Day (12-19): Attend Mass if possible, as the liturgy on V's feast day will often include readings and prayers that illuminate V's particular sanctity. Light a candle before an image of Bl. Urban V and spend a few minutes in prayer.
Daily Devotion: Place an image or icon of Bl. Urban V in your home — in your prayer corner, on your desk, or in your car. A simple morning invocation, "St. V, pray for us," draws V's intercession into your day.
Novena: A nine-day novena to Bl. Urban V can be prayed before the feast day (beginning nine days prior) or at any time of particular need. Many Catholics have reported profound graces through novena prayer.
Study: Read a biography of Bl. Urban V. The lives of the saints are the living commentary on the Gospel — they show us what it looks like to follow Christ in a particular time, culture, and vocation.
Prayer to Bl. Urban V
O glorious Bl. Urban V, whose life was a testament to the love and power of Almighty God, look upon us with mercy from your place before His throne. You who walked the path of holiness with courage and fidelity, intercede for us who struggle in the pilgrimage of faith. Obtain for us from God the graces we most need — especially [state your intention here] — and help us to follow your example of love, courage, and total surrender to God's will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Feast Day Prayer (from the Roman Missal):Lord our God, you have given us Bl. Urban V as a witness to your goodness and mercy. May we who honor V's memory imitate V's virtues and one day share V's joy in your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Bl. Urban V in Art and Catholic Tradition
Bl. Urban V has been depicted in Catholic sacred art for centuries. Traditional iconography of the saints communicates theological truths through visual symbols — a language that transcends words and speaks directly to the heart.
Common symbols associated with Bl. Urban V in Catholic art may include:
- A halo or nimbus, indicating canonized sainthood
- Specific objects or instruments associated with V's life or martyrdom
- Liturgical vestments corresponding to V's state of life (religious habit, episcopal robes, or lay clothing)
- A palm branch, if Bl. Urban V is a martyr
A lesser-known fact about Bl. Urban V: He founded universities in Cracow, Vienna, and Orange, and was one of the few Avignon popes remembered positively by history.
When praying before an image of Bl. Urban V, allow the symbols to draw your attention to the virtues they represent. Sacred art is not decoration but theology made visible — a window through which the heavenly reality shines into our earthly prayer.