The Feast of Saint Stephen, the First Martyr
Saint Stephen, the First Martyr is the Patron Saint of
- Altar Servers
- Acoma Indian Pueblo;
- Casket makers;
- Cetona, Italy;
- Deacons;
- Headaches;
- Horses;
- Kessel, Belgium;
- Masons;
- Owensboro, Kentucky;
- Passau, Germany;
- Serbia;
- Republic of Srpska;
- Prato, Italy
Saint Stephen Feast Day, Date of Birth, Country of Birth, Profession, Place of Work, Date of Death, Place of Death, Beatification Date, Canonization Date, Matrimony/Holy Orders, Deacons who became Saints
Saint Stephen, the First Martyr brief life History |
|
Date of Birth | 5 AD |
---|---|
Country of Birth | Israel in Asia |
Profession | Deacon and Protomartyr |
Place of Work | Jerusalen, Israel |
Date of Death | 34 AD |
Place of Death | Jerusalem, Judaea |
Feast Day | December 26 |
Beatification | By Pre-Congregation |
Canonization | By Pre-Congregation |
Patron Saint of | Altar Servers Acoma Indian Pueblo; Casket makers; Cetona, Italy; Deacons; Headaches; Horses; Kessel, Belgium; Masons; Owensboro, Kentucky; Passau, Germany; Serbia; Republic of Srpska; Prato, Italy |
Saint Stephen, the First Martyr Short life History
There is good reason to believe that St. Stephen was one of the seventy-two disciples of our blessed Lord. After the Ascension he was chosen one of the seven deacons.
The ministry of the seven was very fruitful; but Stephen especially, “full of grace and fortitude, did great wonders and signs among the people.” Many adversaries rose up to dispute with him, but “they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the spirit that spoke.”
At length he was brought before the Sanhedrin, charged, like his divine Master, with blasphemy against Moses and against God. He boldly upbraided the chief priests with their hard-hearted resistance to the Holy Ghost and with the murder of the “Just One.”
They were stung with anger, and gnashed their teeth against him. But when, “filled with the Holy Ghost and looking up to heaven, he cried out, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God,’ they rushed upon him, and dragging him forth without the city, they stoned him to death.”
Today’s Saint Stephen Feast Day Quote:
If ever you are tempted to resentment, pray from your heart for him who has offended you.