St. Bartholomew
Feast day: August 24
Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. His name means “son of Tolomai,” and he is believed to be the Nathanael who appears in the Gospel of John. Bartholomew was introduced to Jesus through his friend, St. Philip. The Roman Martyrology credits him with missionary labors in India and Armenia. Local Armenian officials condemned him, and he was ordered by King Astyages to be flayed and beheaded. It is believed that he also preached in Mesopotamia, Persia and Egypt. He is patron of Armenia and of butchers.
Prayer
Strengthen in us, O Lord, the faith,
by which the blessed Apostle Bartholomew
clung wholeheartedly to your Son,
and grant that through the help of his prayers
your Church may become for all the nations
the sacrament of salvation.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
