Brief Background on St. Stephen:

Saint Stephen was one of the first deacons of the early Church and the first Christian martyr. Chosen to serve the community, he boldly preached that Jesus is the Messiah. For his faith, Stephen was stoned to death around AD 34, forgiving his persecutors and entrusting himself to God—mirroring Christ even in death.

Saint Stephen is the patron saint of: deacons, altar servers, stone masons, builders, and those persecuted for their faith.

REFLECTION:

Yesterday, we celebrated the great feast of Christmas—the birth of the Son of God. Families gathered to share meals, exchange gifts, sing familiar carols, and enjoy laughter and joy in the air. It was a day filled with warmth, light, and celebration.

Yet today, December 26, the Church asks us to pause and honor the feast of a martyr, Saint Stephen. At first, this shift may seem sudden or even jarring. How do we move so quickly from the joy of the manger to the memory of someone who gave his life for Christ? And yet, we are still very much within the Octave of Christmas, when the Church continues to unfold the full meaning of Christ’s birth.

By placing St. Stephen’s feast here, the Church teaches us that Christmas joy is not separate from sacrifice. The Child born in Bethlehem is the same Lord who will one day be rejected, misunderstood, and crucified. The manger already points toward the cross, and St. Stephen becomes the first after Christ to witness to this truth with his life.

In the Gospel of Matthew 10:17–22, Jesus warns His disciples that following Him will not always be easy. They will be handed over, opposed, and even hated because of His name. Yet Jesus also promises that they will not face these trials alone—the Holy Spirit will speak through them. St. Stephen lives this Gospel in a powerful way. Filled with the Spirit, he proclaims Christ with courage and, even as he is being killed, prays for forgiveness for those who persecute him.

Most of us will never be called to martyrdom, but we are all called to witness. We live out St. Stephen’s example in small but real ways: when we choose patience over anger, forgiveness over resentment, truth over convenience, and faith over fear. We witness to Christ when we live our faith at home, at work, and in our community, especially when it is difficult or uncomfortable.

As we continue celebrating Christmas, St. Stephen reminds us that this season is more than decorations and traditions. Christmas is the beginning of a way of life. The joy that comes from the manger is a joy strong enough to carry us through hardship and challenge. May the witness of St. Stephen help us carry Christ into the world with courage, compassion, and faithfulness—today and every day.