OBANDO, Philippines (Reuters) There was dancing in the streets of Obando town in the northern Philippines on Wednesday (May 17) as people feted patron saints they believe bring spouses, fertility ...

Hundreds of couples flocked to a town in the northern Philippines to take part in a centuries-old ritual dance, honouring a patron saint believed to bring fertility.

That pious custom has also made her patron of brides, newlyweds, florists, midwives and gardeners. The theme of fertility and fruitfulness pervades her devotion. Her feast day is Feb. 6.

A Roma pilgrim prays to the patron saint Sara at Church of Saintes-Marie-de-la-Mer in 2012. Despite not being recognized by the Catholic Church, this Black Madonna is revered by millions of Romani ...

The Feast of Santa Clara, patron saint of fertility, was celebrated on May 18. More fertility dances, Masses and other activities were held in her honor at the Obando Church.

St. Gianna was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2004. The Italian pediatrician is considered the patron saint of mothers, physicians and unborn children.

In Amarante, these penis cakes honour the town's patron Saint Gonçalo and are gifted to young women as good luck fertility charms. Just in case you've been under a rock, Eurovision is here, which ...

The dance also promotes fertility in a different way, with the saint playing matchmaker to help people find a partner. Newlywed Tess Faustino said she found her husband after asking the patron ...