Saint Stephen

Saint Stephen

(5 AD – 34 AD)

Feast Day: 26 December

The name Stephen is Greek and chapter 6 of the Acts of the Apostles tells us that he was a Hellenist (a foreign-born Jew who spoke Greek). He lived in Jerusalem and had become a Christian.

Saint Stephen was one of the first ordained deacons of the Church.  He is first mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as one of seven deacons appointed by the Apostles to distribute food and charitable aid to poorer members of the community in the early church.

He was also the first Christian martyr. Saint Stephen was so conformed to Jesus in his holy life that his martyrdom was both a natural and supernatural sign of his love for the Lord. It also inspired the early believers as they faced the first round of brutal persecution.

His behaviour, even forgiving those who were taking his life while he was being stoned to death, was a beautiful reflection of how conformed he truly was to the Lord Jesus Christ. It is recorded in Chapter 7 of the Acts of the Apostles (verses 54-60).

Saint Stephen is often depicted with stones, a Gospel book, a miniature church and a martyr's palm frond. He is the patron saint of altar servers, bricklayers, casket makers and deacons and his feast day is celebrated on 26 December.

Saint Stephen’s life inspires us because he spoke the truth fearlessly. He died with his eyes trustfully fixed on God and with a prayer of forgiveness on his lips. Through Saint Stephen’s example, we can learn to speak boldly for our faith, and know that our lives here on earth cannot compare with the joys we will experience in heaven.  Man can only kill the body, but they cannot kill the soul.