By CatholicVote | Created at 2024-12-25 23:41:10 | Updated at 2024-12-26 11:56:32
12 hours ago
CV NEWS FEED // As the joyful Christmas season continues Dec. 26, the Church honors St. Stephen and his legacy as the first Christian martyr known for his unwavering faith and compassion.
Known as the “protomartyr,” St. Stephen was one of the earliest followers of Christ and a deacon in the early Church. He is often depicted wearing deacon’s vestments, holding a palm branch as a symbol of martyrdom.
Appointed by the apostles, Stephen was tasked with distributing food and alms to the poor and widowed. He also performed a number of miraculous acts. His wisdom and devotion to spreading the teachings of Jesus made him a beloved figure among Christians but also attracted opposition from members of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council.
Stephen’s unwavering faith led to his arrest and charges of blasphemy. During his trial, he delivered a powerful and courageous speech before the Sanhedrin, openly critiquing their resistance to accepting Jesus as the Messiah. His eloquent defense of the faith, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, ultimately led to his condemnation.
Stephen was stoned to death, and as he died, he prayed for forgiveness for his persecutors, mirroring the love and mercy taught by Christ. His martyrdom has inspired generations of Christians and solidified his legacy as a symbol of steadfast faith and forgiveness.
The Catholic Church honors St. Stephen with a feast day celebrated every Dec. 26, praising his role as a model of charity and courage. This day, directly following Christmas, serves as a reminder of the call to generosity and selflessness, values that Stephen exemplified in his life and death.
The date also holds historical significance as it reflects the early Church’s practice of dedicating the days following Christmas to saints who were closest to Christ in their faith and sacrifice.
Pope Francis will open the second of five Holy Doors during Feast of St. Stephen in 2024, marking the official inauguration of the 2025 Jubilee of Hope. The Dec. 26 opening will take place at Rome’s Rebibbia prison, making it “the only Holy Door not in a papal basilica,” CatholicVote reported.
Around the world, faithful Catholics attend Mass Dec. 26, where Stephen’s life and martyrdom are remembered through prayers and sermons. In some countries, traditional meals and family gatherings are part of the day’s observances.
St. Stephen’s story is also linked to cultural customs. In Italy, the day is marked by visiting Nativity scenes and sharing seasonal treats.
In Ireland, his feast day is celebrated as “Wren Day,” a tradition that combines elements of local folklore with his legacy of charity.
According to legend, the wren betrayed St. Stephen by revealing his hiding place to his enemies, leading to his arrest and subsequent martyrdom. In Irish tradition, Wren Day involves catching a wren (or a representation of one) and parading it through the streets, often accompanied by music and singing. Participants visit homes, asking for donations, which are typically given to local charities or used for festivities. In keeping with the legend, townspeople contribute to the cause in hopes of warding off any bad luck associated with the bird’s connection to St. Stephen’s fate.
