because they have proved themselves efficacious helpers in
adversity and difficulties, there is a group venerated under the
collective name of Holy Helpers. They are:

1. St. George, Martyr.
2. St. Blase, Bishop and Martyr.
3. St. Pantaleon, Martyr.
4. St. Vitus, Martyr.
5. St. Erasmus, Bishop and Martyr.
6. St. Christophorus, Martyr.
7. St. Dionysius, Bishop and Martyr.
8. St. Cyriacus, Martyr.
9. St. Achatius, Martyr.
10. St. Eustachius, Martyr.
11. St. Giles, Abbot.
12. St. Catherine, Virgin and Martyr.
13. St. Margaret, Virgin and Martyr.
14. St. Barbara, Virgin and Martyr.

The reason why these saints are invoked as a group is said to have been
an epidemic which devastated Europe from 1346 to 1349. It was called the
Plague, or "Black Death," and among its symptoms were the turning black
of the tongue, parching of the throat, violent headache, fever, and
boils on the abdomen. The malady attacked its victims suddenly, bereft
them of reason, and caused death in a few hours, so that many died
without the last sacraments. Fear caused many attacks and disrupted
social and family ties. To all appearances, the disease was incurable.

During this period of general affliction the people in pious confidence
turned toward Heaven, and had recourse to the intercession of the
saints, praying to be spared an attack, or to be cured when stricken.
Among the saints invoked since the earliest times of the Church as
special patrons in certain diseases were: St. Christopher and St. Giles
against the plague, St. Dionysius against headache, St. Blase against
ills of the throat, St. Catherine against those of the tongue, St.
Erasmus against those of the abdomen, St. Barbara against fever, St.
Vitus against epilepsy. St. Pantaleon was the patron of physicians, St.
Cyriacus was had recourse to in temptations, especially in those at the
hour of death; St. Achatius was invoked in death agony; Sts.
Christopher, Barbara, and Catherine were appealed to for protection
against a sudden and unprovided death; the aid of St. Giles was implored
for making a good confession; St. Eustachius was patron in all kinds of
difficulties, and, because peculiar circumstances separated him for a
time from his family, he was invoked also in family troubles. Domestic
animals, too, being attacked by the plague, Sts. George, Erasmus,
Pantaleon, and Vitus were invoked for their protection. It appears from
the invocation of these sa