St. Lazarus of Bethany is one of the beloved saints of the Catholic Church. Lazarus was the brother of Martha and Mary who was raised from the dead by Jesus after being in the tomb for four days. His resurrection is one of the most dramatic miracles in the Gospels and a sign of Christ's power over death. The Church celebrates St. Lazarus of Bethany's feast on 12-17.
Catholic Daily brings you the life of St. Lazarus of Bethany as part of our commitment to helping Catholics encounter the saints of the liturgical calendar every morning. Whether you are discovering St. Lazarus of Bethany 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 St. Lazarus of Bethany
Lazarus was the brother of Martha and Mary who was raised from the dead by Jesus after being in the tomb for four days. His resurrection is one of the most dramatic miracles in the Gospels and a sign of Christ's power over death. According to Eastern tradition, he later became the bishop of Kition in Cyprus.
The vocation of St. Lazarus of Bethany 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 St. Lazarus of Bethany's life is a shining example of that universal call answered with total generosity.
Patron Saint: The sick, lepers
St. Lazarus of Bethany is honored as the patron saint of The sick, lepers. 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 The sick have traditionally invoked St. Lazarus of Bethany's intercession for protection, guidance, and grace in their particular circumstances. The patronage of St. Lazarus of Bethany is grounded in the specific details of Bethany's life and ministry, which created a lasting bond between this saint and those who share similar callings or needs.
How to Honor St. Lazarus of Bethany in Your Daily Life
The Church's tradition offers many beautiful ways to honor St. Lazarus of Bethany and seek Bethany's intercession:
On the Feast Day (12-17): Attend Mass if possible, as the liturgy on Bethany's feast day will often include readings and prayers that illuminate Bethany's particular sanctity. Light a candle before an image of St. Lazarus of Bethany and spend a few minutes in prayer.
Daily Devotion: Place an image or icon of St. Lazarus of Bethany in your home — in your prayer corner, on your desk, or in your car. A simple morning invocation, "St. Bethany, pray for us," draws Bethany's intercession into your day.
Novena: A nine-day novena to St. Lazarus of Bethany 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 St. Lazarus of Bethany. 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 St. Lazarus of Bethany
O glorious St. Lazarus of Bethany, 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 St. Lazarus of Bethany as a witness to your goodness and mercy. May we who honor Bethany's memory imitate Bethany's virtues and one day share Bethany'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.
St. Lazarus of Bethany in Art and Catholic Tradition
St. Lazarus of Bethany 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 St. Lazarus of Bethany in Catholic art may include:
- A halo or nimbus, indicating canonized sainthood
- Specific objects or instruments associated with Bethany's life or martyrdom
- Liturgical vestments corresponding to Bethany's state of life (religious habit, episcopal robes, or lay clothing)
- A palm branch, if St. Lazarus of Bethany is a martyr
A lesser-known fact about St. Lazarus of Bethany: The word 'lazaretto,' meaning a quarantine station or hospital for those with infectious diseases, derives from his name.
When praying before an image of St. Lazarus of Bethany, 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.