Holy Innocents is one of the beloved saints of the Catholic Church. This feast commemorates the infant boys of Bethlehem who were massacred by King Herod in his attempt to kill the newborn Jesus. When the Magi did not return to tell Herod where to find the child, he ordered the killing of all boys under two years of age in Bethlehem and its vicinity. The Church celebrates Holy Innocents's feast on 12-28.
Catholic Daily brings you the life of Holy Innocents as part of our commitment to helping Catholics encounter the saints of the liturgical calendar every morning. Whether you are discovering Holy Innocents 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 Holy Innocents
This feast commemorates the infant boys of Bethlehem who were massacred by King Herod in his attempt to kill the newborn Jesus. When the Magi did not return to tell Herod where to find the child, he ordered the killing of all boys under two years of age in Bethlehem and its vicinity. These children are honored as the first martyrs for Christ, even though they died unknowingly.
The vocation of Holy Innocents 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 Holy Innocents's life is a shining example of that universal call answered with total generosity.
Patron Saint: Babies, foundlings, choirboys
Holy Innocents is honored as the patron saint of Babies, foundlings, choirboys. 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 Babies have traditionally invoked Holy Innocents's intercession for protection, guidance, and grace in their particular circumstances. The patronage of Holy Innocents is grounded in the specific details of Innocents's life and ministry, which created a lasting bond between this saint and those who share similar callings or needs.
How to Honor Holy Innocents in Your Daily Life
The Church's tradition offers many beautiful ways to honor Holy Innocents and seek Innocents's intercession:
On the Feast Day (12-28): Attend Mass if possible, as the liturgy on Innocents's feast day will often include readings and prayers that illuminate Innocents's particular sanctity. Light a candle before an image of Holy Innocents and spend a few minutes in prayer.
Daily Devotion: Place an image or icon of Holy Innocents in your home — in your prayer corner, on your desk, or in your car. A simple morning invocation, "St. Innocents, pray for us," draws Innocents's intercession into your day.
Novena: A nine-day novena to Holy Innocents 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 Holy Innocents. 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 Holy Innocents
O glorious Holy Innocents, 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 Holy Innocents as a witness to your goodness and mercy. May we who honor Innocents's memory imitate Innocents's virtues and one day share Innocents'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.
Holy Innocents in Art and Catholic Tradition
Holy Innocents 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 Holy Innocents in Catholic art may include:
- A halo or nimbus, indicating canonized sainthood
- Specific objects or instruments associated with Innocents's life or martyrdom
- Liturgical vestments corresponding to Innocents's state of life (religious habit, episcopal robes, or lay clothing)
- A palm branch, if Holy Innocents is a martyr
A lesser-known fact about Holy Innocents: In some medieval traditions, this day was marked by the 'Boy Bishop' custom, in which a choirboy was elected to preside over certain ceremonies.
When praying before an image of Holy Innocents, 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.