Patron saints of mental illnesses with an overview of examples in Istrian ethno-medical tradition

Abstract

Objective: Define the saints who have a preventive and curative role in combating mental illnesses in Christian ethno-medical tradition, explain their connection with the illnesses, and indicate examples of patron saints of mental illnesses in Istrian sacral heritage. Methods: Analysis of literature with registration of all the Saints in Istrian shrines, and establishing the actual situation in the field. Results: We established the existence of ten states that we connect with psychiatric difficulties and seventeen patron saints to whom the faithful pray in their battle against mental illnesses. From this group, in Istrian saints we discover eight patron saints, where in the number of sacral elements, St. Peter the Apostle, St. Bartholomew and St. Vitus dominate. They are followed by St. Bernard, St. Francis of Paola, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Christopher and St. Ulrich. A brief overview of the hagiographic characteristics of the saints and their connection with ethno-medicine are presented. Conclusion: Christian tradition abounds in ethno- medical elements, which today, as they once did, represent a specific approach to fighting against (mental) illnesses and a source of supportive therapeutic solutions.