Saint Cajetan (1480–1547) was an Italian Catholic priest, reformer, and co-founder of the Theatine religious order. Born into a noble family in Vicenza, he devoted his life to serving the poor, sick, and financially distressed. He was particularly known for encouraging people to place their trust in Divine Providence rather than despair during times of hardship. His work included helping establish charitable institutions that offered assistance to those struggling with poverty and debt.
Because of this long association with financial need, employment, and providential help, Saint Cajetan became a popular patron for those seeking work, prosperity, and relief from money troubles. In folk devotional traditions, his patronage has also extended to gamblers and games of chance, where he may be petitioned for good fortune, favorable opportunities, clear judgment, and a fortunate turn of events.
Burn a Saint Cajetan candle when seeking assistance with gambling, lotteries, games of chance, employment, prosperity, financial difficulties, or unexpected financial opportunities. When working with him for gambling, the petition may ask not only for luck, but also for the wisdom to recognize a favorable opportunity—and to know when enough is enough.
Saint Cajetan’s feast day is August 7, the anniversary of his death in Naples in 1547. He was canonized in 1671.