On May 19, the day of Saint Ivo, patron saint of lawyers, is marked, but who is Saint Ivo and why is it the patron saint of lawyers?
Saint Ivo was born on October 7, 1253, in Brittany (France), after completing his studies in law, he took up his duties as an ecclesiastical magistrate, fighting for the causes of truth and equity.
He was canonized by Pope Clement VI in 1347, forty-four years after his death, which occurred on 19 May 1303, buried in the Cathedral of Tréguier and declared a patron saint of Brittany.
The date of his death was forever marked in many countries as the Day of the Lawyer, being celebrated with the performance of several official ceremonies.
Prayer to Saint Ivo
Glorious Saint Ivo, lily of purity, apostle of charity and fearless defender of justice. You who, seeing in human laws a reflection of eternal law, have known how to wonderfully combine the postulates of justice and the imperative of Christian love, assist, enlighten, strengthen the legal class, our judges and lawyers, the cultists and interpreters of the law, to that in their teachings and decisions, never depart from equity and righteousness.
Love them justice, that they may consolidate peace; exercise charity, so that harmony may reign; defend and support the weak and unprotected, so that, after all subordinate interest and affection of people, they may make the wisdom of the law triumph over the forces of injustice and evil.
Look also at us, glorious Saint Ivo, who wish to copy your examples and imitate your virtues.
Exercise your mission as advocate and protector of ours with the throne of God, so that our prayers are favorably dispatched and we feel the effects of your powerful sponsorship.
Amen.
