Our Patron Saint (Our Story)
Stephen was one of seven deacons who were appointed by the Apostles to help in the distribution of charity to the needy. Stephen stood out because of the strength of his faith and his spiritual power. He was a Jew of Greek culture, which enabled him to see Christianity in the wider context of the world outside Israel. It was here that his special 'wisdom' lay.
His preaching led to conflict with traditional Jews. They argued with him, but were unable to outwit him in debate. In the end they seized him and took him to the Sanhedrin for 'speaking against the Temple and the Law'. He looked at the sky and claimed that he could see the glory of God with Jesus himself standing beside God. His accusers rushed at him, dragged him out and stoned him to death for blasphemy. It is not clear whether his execution was legal under Jewish or Roman law; it seems to have been a lynching.
According to an old tradition, the stoning of St. Stephen took place outside the Damascus Gate of Jerusalem. In some parts of England, St. Stephen's Day (Boxing Day) is also known as wrenning day, after a cruel old custom of stoning wrens on that day in memory of St. Stephen. He has the particular distinction of being the very first person, after Christ himself, to have suffered martyrdom for his faith in Christianity. He was celebrated in the middle ages as the first martyr, one of the greatest figures in early Christianity.
Feast Day: December 26
St. Stephen Official Prayer
Lord, all powerful, whose love is infinite and everlasting,
you gave us St. Stephen,
the first deacon and martyr of the Church
to inspire us to live a life that leads us to you,
a life of boundless love, continuous kindness, and unshakable faith.
Just as the wheat grows across the prairies,
help us to grow as good Christians,
ready to proclaim your word and live by St. Stephen’s example.
Just as St. Stephen accepted the burden of stones
with courage and prayer,
help us to accept life’s challenges
through your message of hope and love.
Bless the students, parents, and staff of St. Stephen Catholic School
and fill each of us with love, strength, and wisdom,
so that we too become examples of our faith within our community.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
The Capocci Family 2001
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