The Church has never officially named a patron saint of electricians or of electricity, which was harnessed long after most patronages were established, but electricians most often turn to St. Barbara, the early martyr invoked for centuries against lightning, fire and sudden death, and to St. Joseph the Worker, patron of all who work with their hands. Some also invoke St. Eligius, patron of metalworkers and mechanics, and St. Lucy, whose name means “light.” Below are these saints, why they fit the trade, Scripture about light, and prayers for electricians, linemen and apprentices.
A short electrician’s prayer, written for this page:
St. Barbara and St. Joseph, pray for me in my work today.
Keep me alert and careful, protect me from shock, fire and falls,
and help me to do honest work that keeps others safe. Amen.
Saints for electricians
St. Barbara (December 4)
According to her legend, St. Barbara’s father, who had her killed for her faith, was immediately struck dead by lightning. Since the Middle Ages she has been invoked against lightning, storms, fire and explosions, and she is the patroness of miners, artillerymen, firefighters and others who work with dangerous forces. For these reasons many electricians and power-line workers ask her protection. See the St. Barbara prayer.
St. Joseph the Worker (May 1)
The carpenter of Nazareth is the patron of all workers and tradesmen. See the St. Joseph prayer.
St. Eligius (December 1)
The goldsmith-bishop, patron of metalworkers, mechanics and engineers, invoked by many in the technical trades. See patron saint of mechanics.
St. Lucy (December 13)
The young martyr of Syracuse whose name comes from the Latin lux, “light,” patroness of the eyes and of those who bring light. See the St. Lucy prayer.
Scripture about light
Jesus, the Light of the world, tells His disciples to let their light shine (Matthew 5:14–16, Douay-Rheims):
You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house.
So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Prayers for electricians
Written for this page.
Before work
Lord, bless my hands and my mind as I work today.
Help me to follow every safety rule, to check my work carefully,
and to come home safely to my family. Amen.
For linemen and power-line workers
St. Barbara, protector against lightning and sudden death,
watch over the linemen who climb poles and towers in every kind of weather,
especially after storms, to bring power back to others. Amen.
For an apprentice
St. Joseph, help me to learn my trade well, to respect the danger of my work,
and to grow in skill, patience and honesty. Amen.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the patron saint of electricians?
There is no official patron. Electricians most often invoke St. Barbara, protector against lightning and fire, and St. Joseph the Worker.
Is there a patron saint of electricity?
No saint has been named patron of electricity itself. St. Barbara, invoked against lightning, is the saint most associated with it.
Who is the patron saint of linemen?
Linemen usually invoke St. Barbara, and many also ask the protection of St. Michael the Archangel.
More patron saints
- Patron saint of engineers
- Patron saint of mechanics
- Patron saint of plumbers
- Patron saints of professions
- St. Barbara prayer
- Catholic prayer for a job
Texts and sources
- Matthew 5:14–16 (Douay-Rheims).