St. Stephen was one of the seven chosen to serve the first Christian community in Jerusalem and is honored as the first martyr. Catholics seek his intercession for courageous witness, service to those in need, and forgiveness of persecutors.
Begin PrayingMore about St. Stephen
The Acts of the Apostles describes Stephen as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. He was selected with six others when the Church organized the daily care of widows, linking proclamation of the Gospel with practical service. Stephen also preached and worked signs among the people. When opponents accused him, he gave a long testimony that read Israel’s history in the light of Jesus, the righteous One who had been rejected and killed.
Stephen was dragged outside the city and stoned while Saul, the future St. Paul, approved of his death. In imitation of Jesus, Stephen entrusted his spirit to the Lord and prayed that the sin of his killers not be held against them. The Church celebrates him immediately after Christmas to show that the Child in the manger calls disciples to costly love. This novena asks for his freedom from hatred and his courage to unite truth, charity, and service.
