Do you know who the patron saint of television is?

You must be thinking of some modern day saints with a degree or masters in broadcast journalism. But the patron saint of television belongs to 13th century! Surprised? Her name is St. Clare of Assisi!

It was Pope Pius XII who made her this saint, who was an accomplice of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of television. The Pope wanted to offer both the Church’s blessing and protection for the new technology. So, in 1958, he issued the document Apostolic Letter proclaiming St. Clare Patron Saint of Television.

Here is the reason why the Pope chose St. Clare of Assisi: He tells the story that on one Christmas, St. Clare was sick and unable to leave her bed to attend Mass. Yet, miraculously, God gave her a vision of the Mass in her convent in real-time – sort of like a spiritual television. So she’s the perfect patron!

The Pope said that television is capable of both good and evil, which is why he wants it to have a patron saint for spiritual protection.