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| San Barnaba, ora pro nobis |
June 11th is the Feast of St. Barnabas, Apostle, Bishop, and Martyr. While not one of the twelve apostles, St. Barnabas was a man of such virtue and faith he is revered as such. Counted among the first faithful, he exhorted the recently converted Saul of Tarsus (St. Paul the Apostle) to evangelize the nations. First, traveling to the Asia Minor, St. Barnabas preached the Gospel in Antioch. He later participated in the Council of Jerusalem, traveled to Rome with St. Peter, and converted many to the Faith in Milan, where he is considered the city’s first Bishop. It is said, during his journey to Milan the snow melted and flowers bloomed along the way. Returning to his native Cyprus, he was accused of blasphemy and stoned to death in Salamis by Syrian Jews in the year 61.
In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Barnabas. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva San Barnaba!
Prayer to St. Barnabas
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. Amen.
