Saint Stephen was one of the first seven deacons ordained by the Apostles to assist in the distribution of aid to the poor. His deep faith and eloquent preaching, particularly before the Sanhedrin, condemned the hardness of heart among the Jewish leaders. Enraged by his bold witness to Christ as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, they dragged him out of the city and stoned him to death.
“And Stephen, full of grace and fortitude, did great wonders and signs among the people.”
(Acts 6:8)
As he died, Saint Stephen forgave his executioners, praying:
“Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” (Acts 7:60)
He thus became the first Christian martyr, his death marking the beginning of a long line of those who would shed their blood for Christ.
🏛 The Finding of His Relics (415 A.D.)
In the year 415 A.D., nearly four centuries after his martyrdom, the relics of Saint Stephen were discovered near Jerusalem in a miraculous manner. The principal source for this account is Lucian of Kefar-Gamala, a priest of the Jerusalem Church, who claimed to have received in a vision the location of the martyr’s burial.
✨ The Vision and Discovery
Lucian saw in a vision the place of burial of Saint Stephen and was told that his relics lay in the village of Beit Jimal (or “Gamala”), not far from Jerusalem. Excavation at the site revealed a tomb with inscriptions identifying Saint Stephen, along with the relics of other Christians martyred alongside him.
The relics were solemnly translated to Jerusalem. When they were uncovered and moved, numerous miracles were reported: the sick were healed, demons expelled, and a renewed devotion to the Protomartyr arose across Christendom.
🕯 Liturgical Commemoration
Feast: August 3rd in the Traditional Roman Calendar (Missale Romanum 1962)
Liturgical Rank: Simplex (in older calendars); commemorated especially in monastic settings and among traditional Catholic communities
Introit: “In virtúte tua, Dómine, lætábitur justus…” — the same as that used on his martyrdom feast (December 26)
🧭 Spiritual Lessons
Divine Providence over the Saints: Even in death, God honors His martyrs. The rediscovery of Stephen’s relics centuries later manifests God’s providence and the enduring glory of the martyrs.
Veneration of Holy Relics: This event affirms the traditional Catholic practice of venerating relics as vehicles of grace, not in themselves divine, but honored because of the sanctity of the person to whom they belonged.
Courage in the Face of Persecution: Stephen’s unwavering witness calls all Christians to remain faithful, even unto death, trusting in eternal life.
Forgiveness: His final words echo those of Christ—“Father, forgive them”—modeling perfect charity even toward one’s enemies.