St. Stephen

The deacon full of grace and power who saw heaven opened as he was stoned, with Saul looking on.

The story

One of the seven chosen to serve the Greek-speaking widows (Acts 6), Stephen preached with such wisdom that his opponents could not answer him. Dragged before the Sanhedrin, he retold Israel's history, saw "the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God," and was stoned, praying for his killers. A young man named Saul held the coats. The Church places his feast the day after Christmas: the crib leads to the Cross.

What Stephen teaches

Forgive as you die, and your enemies may become apostles.

Patronage

deacons, stonemasons.

Prayer

St. Stephen, first martyr, pray that we may witness to Christ boldly and forgive as He forgave. Amen.