Saint Luke The Evangelist

Biography

Saint Luke The Evangelist, also known as Lucas, was born to pagan Greek parents in Antioch. It is believed that he may have been a slave during his early life. Luke is recognized as one of the earliest converts to Christianity, and he became an important figure in the early Church. Luke's early education took place in Antioch and Tarsus, where he studied medicine. He later became a physician, which is why he is often depicted with symbols related to healing and medicine. His medical skills earned him a reputation as a compassionate and caring individual. Legend has it that Luke also possessed artistic talents. He was said to be a painter and possibly even created portraits of Jesus and Mary. Although none of his works have been definitively attributed to him, his association with the arts led to his patronage of artists. Luke's encounter with Saint Paul the Apostle occurred in the city of Troas. It was during this encounter that they formed a close bond and embarked on evangelistic missions together. Together, they spread the teachings of Christianity and established a strong presence in Greece and Rome. Luke accompanied Paul on his perilous journey to Rome, enduring shipwrecks and other dangers along the way. During their time in Rome, Luke remained steadfast in his commitment to the faith. He even stayed in the city during Paul's two-year imprisonment, providing spiritual support and guidance. It was in Rome that Luke wrote the Gospel According to Luke, drawing from the teachings and writings of Paul, as well as interviews with early Christians and his own personal experiences. In addition to his Gospel, Luke also penned the Acts of the Apostles, a historical account detailing the early years of the Church. His writings played a crucial role in documenting the spread of Christianity and the actions of the early disciples. Saint Luke The Evangelist is often represented in iconography as a physician, a bishop, and a man accompanied by a winged ox or a winged calf. These symbols highlight his medical background, his role as an evangelist, and his association with artistic endeavors. He is also sometimes depicted painting an icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, reflecting the belief that he was a painter. Luke's feast days are celebrated on October 18th, May 9th (translation of relics), June 20th (translation of relics), October 13th (according to the martyrology by Mabillon), September 21st (according to some calendars), September 26th (according to some calendars), and November 27th (according to some calendars). Luke passed away around the year 74 in Greece. While some accounts suggest he may have been martyred for his faith, others indicate that he died of natural causes. His relics are currently preserved in Padua, Italy. Saint Luke The Evangelist holds a significant place in Catholic tradition and serves as a patron for various professions and vocations, including artists, bachelors, bookbinders, brewers, butchers, doctors, glass makers, gold workers, lacemakers, notaries, painters, physicians, sculptors, stained glass workers, surgeons, and unmarried men. He is also the patron saint of the Worshipful Company of Butchers and the Worshipful Company of Painters. Additionally, some towns and regions, including Capena in Italy, Hermersdorf in Germany, and Petrovac in Bosnia and Herzegovina, are dedicated to his honor.