Happy St. Stephen's Day!

(Large painting of the martyrdom of St. Stephen in the church of St. Trophime, Arles, France)

"And Stephen, full of grace and fortitude, did great wonders and signs among the people..." 

(Acts 6:8)

The young deacon Stephen made such a difference in the lives of the new converts that the Apostles made. God bless all our young men on the way to the priesthood!

(Bones of Saint Stephen venerated in the same church: St. Trophime, Arles, France)

"But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looking up steadfastly to Heaven, saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. And he said: Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." 

(Acts 7:55)

What a comfort it must have been to the young cleric when he had a vision of Jesus in Heaven right before they stoned him to death! He died with forgiveness in his heart and on his lips. Let us forgive our enemies for Christ's sake too....