St. Mark

Companion of Peter and Paul, author of the earliest Gospel, founder of the Church of Alexandria.

The story

John Mark, whose mother's house was a meeting place for the Jerusalem church, traveled with Paul and Barnabas, then became Peter's interpreter in Rome. Papias records that his Gospel preserves Peter's preaching. Tradition holds he founded the Church in Alexandria and was martyred there; his relics were carried to Venice in 828.

What Mark teaches

The Gospel is eyewitness testimony passed on faithfully. Mark wrote what Peter preached.

Patronage

Venice, notaries, lions.

Prayer

St. Mark, evangelist, help us proclaim the Gospel with the urgency and clarity of your own words. Amen.