Saint of the Day for 11 June: St. Barnabas
St. Barnabas: Life, Mission and Impact of the Apostle of the First Christian Communities.
Name
St. Barnabas
Title
Apostle
Birth
1st century AD, Cyprus
Death
June 11, 61, Salamis, Cyprus
Recurrence
11 June
Martyrology
2004 edition
Prayer
O Father, who chose St. Barnabas, full of faith and the Holy Spirit, to convert the pagan peoples, grant that the Gospel of Christ, to which he bore witness with apostolic courage, may always be faithfully proclaimed in word and deed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Patron of
Marino, Villata, Carassai, Breme, Tartano, Villanova Biellese, Laghi
Roman Martyrology
In Salamis, Cyprus, the birthplace of St. Barnabas the Apostle, who, of Cypriot nation, ordained by the disciples Apostle of the Gentiles together with Paul, traveled with him through many regions, exercising the office of evangelical preaching entrusted to him; finally, having gone to Cyprus, he honored his Apostleship there with glorious martyrdom. His body, at the time of Emperor Zeno, was found by revelation of Barnabas himself, together with a copy of the Gospel of St. Matthew, transcribed in his own hand by Barnabas himself
The Saint and Mission
St. Barnabas is a key figure in early Christianity, known for his crucial role in spreading the Gospel and building early Christian communities. A native of Cyprus, Barnabas, whose name means “son of consolation,” was a man of great faith and integrity. His mission began when he joined the apostles in Jerusalem, quickly earning a reputation for generosity and a spirit of service. His collaboration with St. Paul is particularly significant. Barnabas was the first to recognize Paul’s genuine conversion and introduce him to the other apostles, overcoming their initial distrust of the former persecutor of Christians. Together, Barnabas and Paul embarked on numerous missionary journeys, preaching the gospel in Asia Minor and founding churches that would become instrumental in the growth of Christianity. Barnabas was also a skilled mediator. When disputes arose within the Christian community of Antioch regarding the circumcision of Gentiles, Barnabas played a crucial role in bringing peace and unity by attending the Council of Jerusalem to resolve the issue. His ability to build bridges and his openness to non-Jews were essential to the inclusiveness of the Christian message. St. Barnabas’ mission is an example of how faith, combined with a strong ethic of service and reconciliation, can transform communities and promote the spread of the Christian faith. His work with Paul, his generosity and his commitment to church unity are enduring legacies that continue to inspire believers today.
The Saint and Mercy
St. Barnabas is a shining example of mercy in the early Church. His life was characterized by an open and generous heart, always ready to serve and support others. Barnabas showed a special mercy in recognizing and welcoming St. Paul after his conversion, despite Paul’s past as a persecutor of Christians. This ability to see beyond the past and embrace a new reality with love and understanding is a powerful example of mercy in action. During his missions, Barnabas consistently demonstrated compassion toward the communities he visited. He was known for his support of new converts, encouraging them and helping them grow in faith. His ability to mediate conflicts and promote peace within Christian communities reflected a deep commitment to mercy and reconciliation. Barnabas was not only a preacher of the gospel but also a man of action. He sold his property to support the poor and the Christian community, living firsthand Jesus’ teaching on charity and helping the needy. His life reminds us that mercy goes beyond words; it is a concrete commitment to the good of others, an act of love that seeks to alleviate suffering and bring hope. St. Barnabas invites us to live mercy every day, welcoming others with an open heart and offering our help to anyone in need. His legacy is a call to see the good in others and to respond with love and compassion, following Christ’s example.
Hagiography
S. Barnabas was born to Jews of the tribe of Levi who had fled to Cyprus when Pompey the Great invaded Palestine. At the age of 12 he was sent to Jerusalem where he attended the school of Gamaliel and formed cordial friendships with two fellow disciples, Stephen and Saul. They were all three of the same age and were to one day shed their blood for Jesus Christ and…