The oil supposedly burning St. John evokes the greasy inks used by printers
Legend has it that in 1 er during the reign of the Emperor Domitian, the apostle St. John was condemned by the authorities to be immersed in a boiling oil bath. But the oil bath did not burn St. John. On the contrary, he emerged rejuvenated and rejuvenated!
This took place in front of the gate of Rome leading to Lazio (region of Italy). This gate was later renamed the Latin Gate. The fact that St. John became the patron saint of printers is explained by the shape of the two leaves of the Latin Gate - which evokes that of a book - and by the oil that is supposed to burn St. John, related to the greasy inks of printing. St. John Latin Gate is celebrated every year on May 6.
But the "Saint Jean" also refers to all the small equipment of the typographer (clamps, composers and galley). To "take one's Saint Jean" is also to slam the door of the workshop.
A protector for printers
In the Catholic tradition, each profession has its Patron Saint, whose role is to protect (there are also Patron Saints for places and diseases). Thus, to follow the evolution of societies, John Paul II did not hesitate in 2001 to designate Isidore of Seville as Patron Saint of computer scientists.
The printers, them, have as protector Saint-Jean Porte Latine. This patron saint also protects typographers and waxmakers. In the past, he was also the protector of winegrowers, but was replaced in this task by Saint Vincent.
