St. Bartholomew

Feast Day: August 24

“Come and see.” – John 1:46

St. Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, is honored for his faithful witness to the Gospel and his missionary zeal, which ultimately led to his martyrdom. His feast day is celebrated on August 24, commemorating his role as a foundational figure in the early Church.

A Faithful Apostle of Christ

St. Bartholomew is traditionally identified with Nathanael, the figure introduced in the Gospel of John. When told by Philip that they had found the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, Nathanael famously responded, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip replied, “Come and see” (John 1:46). Upon meeting Jesus, Bartholomew was astonished when Jesus revealed that He had seen him under the fig tree, leading Bartholomew to declare, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”

Bartholomew was chosen by Christ to be one of the twelve apostles. After the Resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, he, like the other apostles, traveled to spread the Gospel.

Missionary and Martyr

Tradition holds that St. Bartholomew carried the Gospel to far-off lands, including India, Mesopotamia, Armenia, and possibly parts of Arabia. He labored tirelessly to bring the message of Christ to people who had never heard it.

His missionary work eventually led to his martyrdom. The most widely accepted tradition states that St. Bartholomew was martyred in Armenia, where he was flayed alive and then beheaded for converting the king’s brother to Christianity. His courageous death stands as a witness to his deep faith and his unwavering commitment to Christ.

Patron Saint and Legacy

St. Bartholomew is the patron saint of tanners, leather workers, bookbinders, butchers, and those who work with skins, in reference to the manner of his martyrdom. He is also venerated as a protector against nervous diseases and skin ailments.

Though not as frequently mentioned as some other apostles, St. Bartholomew’s life reminds the faithful of the quiet but powerful role of faithful witnesses who carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

A Witness to the Ends of the Earth

St. Bartholomew’s life is a testament to the missionary call of the Church. His openness to Christ, seen in his encounter in the Gospel of John, and his willingness to proclaim the Gospel even unto death, are models for all Christians.

St. Bartholomew, pray for us!