Martha
Saint Martha is the patroness of cooks, homemakers, servants, and all who work in hospitality because of the scene the Gospel preserves of her: she “was busy with much serving” and welcomed the Lord into her house at Bethany while her sister Mary sat at his feet (Luke 10:38-42). She became the very image of active charity — the one who feeds and tends and keeps a household — so cooks, housewives, domestic servants, and hotel and inn workers naturally took her for their patroness. Her great profession of faith, “I believe that you are the Christ” (John 11:27), crowns that homely service with deep belief.
Saint Martha of Bethany was the sister of Mary and Lazarus, and a close friend of Jesus Christ. Known for her hospitality and service, she is famously depicted in the Gospel welcoming Jesus into her home. Her declaration “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God” is one of the great professions of faith in Scripture.
