Saint Josaphat

Biography

Saint Josaphat, also known as Ioasaph, Iasaph, Joasaph, and Yudasaf, was a Christian saint who played a significant role in spreading the faith in India during the Middle Ages. His life was intertwined with that of Saint Barlaam, and together, they became the protagonists in a Christianized retelling of the story of Siddhartha Buddha. Born as the prince and son of King Abenner in India, Josaphat's destiny as a Christian was foretold by astrologers, who predicted that a son of the king would one day embrace the Christian faith. In response to this prophecy, King Abenner, fearing the conversion of his son, initiated a brutal persecution of the Church and placed Josaphat under house arrest. Despite these attempts to isolate him from the influence of Christianity, Josaphat encountered Barlaam, a hermit from Senaar, who managed to convert him to the Christian faith. King Abenner, unwilling to accept his son's conversion, tried to subvert Josaphat's faith but failed in his efforts. Eventually, Abenner himself underwent a profound conversion, becoming a Christian and relinquishing his throne to live as a hermit. Josaphat and his father later shared governance, working together to promote Christianity in their kingdom. However, Josaphat's journey did not end with ruling a kingdom. He eventually abdicated his throne to pursue a more ascetic and solitary path. Traveling to the desert, he sought out Barlaam and spent the remaining years of his life as a holy hermit, devoting himself to prayer, contemplation, and penance. After Josaphat and Barlaam passed away, their bodies were brought back to India and buried together. The grave of these two saints soon became a renowned pilgrimage site, attracting numerous pilgrims who sought their intercession and witnessed miracles occurring at their tomb. In recognition of his exemplary life and spiritual journey, Saint Josaphat was canonized as a saint in the Catholic Church. Although he is not currently recognized as a patron saint for any specific cause or occupation, his story continues to inspire and uplift believers around the world. Saint Josaphat is commemorated on two feast days: November 27th in the Roman calendar and August 26th in the Greek calendar. Despite not being formally associated with any particular patronage, individuals can still turn to Saint Josaphat for his intercession and guidance in their own spiritual journeys.