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Saint of the Month

Saint barnabas, the apostle
- Born: Around the time of Christ
  Feast Day: June 11th
  
  St. Barnabas was born to wealthy Jewish parents on the Greek-speaking island of Cyprus, probably around the time of Christ's own birth. He embraced the faith soon after the death of Christ, becoming a member of the original Jerusalem community. His first noteworthy deed was to sell his belongings and place the money at the feet of the apostles.
  
  It is to his lasting credit that he befriended the neo-convert Paul (Saul of Tarsus) and introduced him to the apostles. Barnabas and Paul traveled and preached among the Gentiles in Antioch, suffering persecution and hardships for the sake of establishing Christianity among those of a non-Jewish background. Paul and Barnabas participated in the landmark Council of Jerusalem , recorded in the book of Acts, the assembled apostles confirmed St. Peter's proclamation that the laws of the Old Testament would not be mandatory for Christians.
  
  St. Mark (John Mark, cousin to Barnabas) is said to have buried Barnabas after he was killed by a mob in Cyprus around the year 62. St. Luke described Barnabas as 'a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith' (Acts 6:24), and he was known for his exceptional kindliness and personal sanctity, and his openness to pagans.
- Prayer
  
  O God, who decreed that Saint Barnabas, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, should be set apart to convert the nations, grant that the Gospel of Christ, which he strenuously preached, may be faithfully proclaimed by word and by deed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.