Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist

St. Luke, the author of the Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, is often identified with "Luke, the beloved physician" mentioned in Colossians 4:14. Although limited information exists about his early life, it is believed he was a Greek Gentile born in Antioch, Syria.

His Gospel is notable for its focus on evangelizing Gentiles and its unique parables and stories highlighting the importance of faith among non-Jews and emphasizes themes of social justice, forgiveness, and God's mercy, portraying Jesus as a champion of the marginalized and sinners. ​

Luke's Gospel is also noted for giving us the accounts of the Annunciation, Visitation, and Nativity ​with a unique perspective leading many to believe he heard the accounts directly from the Blessed Mother.

Luke's association with St. Paul is prominent in the Book of Acts, where he joined Paul's missionary journeys, providing an invaluable historical account of the early Christian Church. He remained steadfastly loyal to Paul even during the apostle's imprisonments.

Tradition suggests that Luke may have continued his ministry and eventually met his death, but historical records regarding his later life are inconclusive. Regardless of the uncertainties surrounding his biography, St. Luke's contributions as an evangelist, historian, and patron of painters and physicians continue to be celebrated by Christians worldwide. His Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles remain essential components of the New Testament, preserving the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the early Christian community.

He is the patron saint of artists, bachelors, bookbinders, brewers, butchers, doctors, glass makers, glassworkers, gold workers, goldsmiths, lacemakers, lace workers, notaries, painters, physicians, sculptors, stained glass workers, surgeons.

Celebrate the feast by doing the following:
· Learn more about Saint Luke via the Catholic News Agency.
· Read the Gospel of Luke or Acts of the Apostles.
· Attend mass.