A possible coincidence or a subliminal Catholic reference is the fact that Santiago is "of Spanish origin" and means "Saints James" ("Santiago"). St James is the patron of laborers and evangelized Spain ("St. James"). Cuba is a Spanish speaking country (thanks goes to Columbus for discovering Cuba in the name of Spain for that one) and since Spain once owned the territory, St. James could tie in through the link of cultural spreading and influence. Also Santiago was a laborer, therefore under Saint James's protection. The old man had a hard labor job. Being a fisherman caused a lot of injuries to his hands, shoulders, and back. Also Santiago states that "All my life the early sun has hurt my eyes." (Hemingway 33). If he was named for the patron saint of laborers, then that could explain why he is an old man and is still physically able to capture and bring home an eighteen foot marlin. His name sake could have been watching out for Santiago and protecting him from life threatening dangers that the old man couldn't handle (you would think shark attacks would fall under that... but Santiago can hold his own against los dentusos).
I know that Santiago is Catholic since he prays the Hail Mary (Heminway 65) and that is a prayer that is predominately used by Catholics (Mary is held in the highest regard and worshiped by the Catholics, but not by all Christians [that question was on my Confirmation test]). Mary, Mother of God, has a lot in common with the sea or as Santiago refers to it, la mar. Both are nurturing and are foundations of hope. The sea brings the hope of adventure, survival, and life. The Blessed Mary brings the hope "from the moment of spiritual birth to the moment of death" ("Mary"), the hope of salvation, and the hope of a life of grace. The sea and Mary also are well meaning guardians of their children. Mary knows what lies ahead for Jesus and watches over him while he suffers, knowing he will be in a better place soon. Santiago has spent his life on the sea and has a great respect for la mar. The sea also observes her child when he suffers, but the sea knows that she will not cause the death of him and so la mar knows that Santiago will make it through the rough times and there are no waves or storms when the old man is out at sea.
Beegel, Susan F. "Santiago and the Eternal Feminine: Gendering La Mar in The Old Man and the Sea." Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts on File, Inc, 2002. Web. 9 July 2011.
Hemingway, Ernest. The Old Man and the Sea. New York: Scribner, 2003. Print.
"Mary the Blessed Virgin." Catholic Online. Web. 09 July 2011.
"Santiago." Think Baby Names. Web. 09 July 2011.
"St. James the Greater Apostle." Catholic Online. Web. 09 July 2011.
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