Reading
"Lorem ipsum."
Los Angeles, CA
St. Andrew
Andrew was one of the fishermen of Bethsaida, and brother, perhaps elder brother, of St. Peter, and became a disciple of St. John the Baptist. He seemed always eager to make announcements.
When called by Christ on the banks of the Jordan, his first thought was to go in search of his brother, and said, “We have found the Messiah,” and he brought him to Jesus.
It was he again who, when Christ wished to feed the five thousand in the desert, pointed out the little boy with the five loaves and fishes.
St. Andrew went forth with his mission to plant the Faith in Scythia and Greece, and at the end of his years of toil to win a martyr’s crown.
After suffering a cruel scourging at Patrae in Achaia, he was left, bound by cords, to die upon a cross.
When St. Andrew first caught sight of the cross on which he was to die, he greeted the precious wood with joy.
“O good cross!” he cried, “made beautiful by the limbs of Christ, so long desired, now so happily found”
Receive me into Your arms and present me to my Master, that He Who redeemed me through You may now accept me from You.” For two days the martyr remained hanging on this cross alive, preaching with outstretched arms from this chair of truth, to all who came near, and asking them not to hinder his suffering
Feast Day: November 30
Name Meaning: “The Strong, Manly One”
Patron Saint of:Fishermen, Sailors, Against Gout, Neck Problems.
Key Facts about Saint Andrew
- Original Name and Calling: Originally Simon (or Simeon), he was a fisherman in Bethsaida before Jesus called him to be a “fisher of men,” along with his brother Andrew.
- The Name “Rock”: Jesus gave him the name Peter (derived from Petros in Greek or Cephas in Aramaic), which means “rock,” symbolizing his foundational role in the Church.
- Leader of the Apostles: Peter was the most prominent disciple, often acting as a spokesman for the twelve, and was part of Jesus’ inner circle along with James and John.
- The Denial and Redemption: Despite promising loyalty, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times on the night of his arrest, but was later redeemed and commissioned by Jesus to lead.
- Keys of the Kingdom: Jesus promised to give Peter “the keys of the kingdom of heaven,” a symbol of his authority.
- Early Church Leader: Following Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, Peter took a leadership role in Jerusalem, performing miracles and preaching, before traveling to Rome to lead the Christian community there.
- Martyrdom: According to tradition, Peter was martyred between 64-68 CE under Emperor Nero’s persecution, requesting to be crucified upside down because he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus.
- Burial Site: Peter is believed to be buried under St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
- Authorship: The biblical letters 1 Peter and 2 Peter are attributed to him.
What Saint Andrew is Known For
- Spokesman for Jesus: He often spoke for the disciples and was usually mentioned first in the Bible.
- First Pope: Roman Catholic tradition recognizes him as the first Bishop of Rome.
- Bold Preaching: He delivered a defining sermon on the day of Pentecost.
- Opening Christianity to Gentiles: He was pivotal in spreading the faith beyond the Jewish community.
Novena
O Glorious Saint Andrew, you were the first to recognize and follow the Lamb of God. With your friend Saint John you remained with Jesus for that first day, for your entire life, and now throughout eternity.
As you led your brother Saint Peter to Christ and many others after him, draw us also to Him.
Teach us to lead others to Christ solely out of love for Him and dedication in His service.
Help us to learn the lesson of the Cross and to carry our daily crosses without complaint so that they may carry us to Jesus.
Amen.
