FEAST OF SAINT STEPHEN

Image of Saint Stephen, the first martyr
Saint Stephen, the first martyr

By Edward Matulanya 

Discover the Feast of Saint Stephen, the first martyr of the Church, celebrated December 26 with Sacred Scripture, tradition, and faith.

1. History and Significance of Saint Stephen in the Catholic Church 

The Feast of Saint Stephen is celebrated on December 26, immediately after Christmas Day. In the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar, this placement highlights the inseparable connection between the joy of Christ’s Nativity and the cost of discipleship. The Church teaches that, authentic Christian witness flows directly from the Incarnation and may require suffering for the sake of truth (USCCB, 2023; CCC, 519, 2019). By commemorating a martyr so close to Christmas, the Church reminds the faithful that the Child born in Bethlehem is the same Christ who calls His followers to take up the Cross (Roman Missal, 2011). For example, the inclusion of Saint Stephen within the Christmas Octave reinforces the teaching that Christ’s coming into the world inaugurates a call to total self-gift, even unto martyrdom (CCC, 618; CCC, 2473).

2. Who Was Saint Stephen? 

Saint Stephen was the First Christian Martyr. He was one of the seven men chosen by the Apostles to serve the early Christian community, particularly in the ministry of charity (Acts 6:1–6, NABRE). This appointment reflects the Church’s early understanding of ordained ministry as both service (diakonia) and proclamation. Sacred Scripture describes Stephen as “full of grace and power,” performing signs and wonders while courageously preaching Christ (Acts 6:8–10, NABRE).

The Catholic Church regards Stephen as a foundational model for the diaconate, uniting works of mercy with evangelization and fidelity to apostolic teaching (CCC, 1554; CCC, 2446). For example, Stephen’s life illustrates that, charitable service and fearless witness to truth are inseparable in Catholic ministry.

3. Why Saint Stephen is Called the Protomartyr of Christianity

Saint Stephen is honored as the Protomartyr, meaning the first witness to shed his blood for Christ after the Resurrection. His martyrdom exemplifies the Church’s teaching that martyrdom is the supreme act of bearing witness to the truth of the faith and the love of Christ (CCC, 2473–2474). Through his death, Stephen participates uniquely in Christ’s Paschal Mystery. For example, the Church sees all subsequent martyrs as spiritually united to Stephen, who first demonstrated that fidelity to Christ may demand the ultimate sacrifice (CCC, 618).

4. Biblical Account of Saint Stephen’s Martyrdom

The Acts of the Apostles provides a detailed account of Stephen’s trial and death (Acts 6–7, NABRE). After being falsely accused, Stephen addresses the Sanhedrin with a sweeping reflection on salvation history, exposing Israel’s repeated resistance to the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51–53). Enraged, the crowd stones him to death. As he dies, Stephen entrusts his spirit to Jesus and prays for the forgiveness of his persecutors (Acts 7:59–60, NABRE).

The Church teaches that Stephen’s final prayer directly mirrors Christ’s words on the Cross, revealing the Christological heart of Christian martyrdom and forgiveness (CCC, 2843–2844). For example, his death demonstrates that martyrdom is not an act of hatred but an expression of love rooted in Christ.

5. Feast of Saint Stephen Celebrated on December 26

December 26 lies within the Octave of Christmas, a liturgical period that celebrates the full mystery of Christ’s birth. The Roman Missal intentionally places the commemoration of martyrs within this octave to teach that the Incarnation leads inexorably toward the Cross and Resurrection (Roman Missal, 2011). The liturgy emphasizes perseverance, witness, and trust in God amid persecution. For example, The prescribed readings for the feast underscore that faithfulness to Christ often provokes opposition (Acts 6:8–10; Matthew 10:17–22).

6. Saint Stephen in Roman Catholic Tradition and Liturgy

In the Roman Catholic liturgy, Saint Stephen’s feast is marked by red vestments, symbolizing the blood of martyrdom. The proper prayers of the Mass ask that, the faithful may imitate Stephen’s unwavering faith and radical forgiveness (Roman Missal, 2011). The Collect explicitly petitions God to grant believers the grace to love even their enemies. For example, liturgical emphasis reflects the Church’s belief that, martyrdom is both a gift and a grace, not merely a human achievement (CCC, 2008).

7. Spiritual Meaning of Saint Stephen’s Sacrifice and Faith

Stephen’s vision of Christ standing at the right hand of God reveals the eschatological hope promised to those who remain faithful unto death (Acts 7:55–56, NABRE). The Church teaches that martyrdom is a participation in Christ’s own sacrifice and a foretaste of eternal life (CCC, 2474; CCC, 1020). For example, Catholics are encouraged to meditate on Stephen’s witness when enduring trials for the sake of faith.

8. Lessons from Saint Stephen’s Life for Modern Christians

Saint Stephen embodies the cardinal virtues, particularly fortitude, which enables believers to remain steadfast in the pursuit of the good despite suffering (CCC, 1808). His life teaches courage in proclaiming truth, humility in service, and mercy toward enemies. For example, Catholics facing cultural opposition or misunderstanding may look to Saint Stephen as a model of courageous yet charitable witness.

9. Saint Stephen’s Role in the Early Christian Church

Stephen’s martyrdom initiated a wave of persecution that scattered believers beyond Jerusalem, contributing to the rapid spread of the Gospel (Acts 8:1–4, NABRE). The Church recognizes this dispersion as part of God’s providential plan for evangelization (CCC, 849). Stephen’s death also left a profound impression on Saul, who would later become the Apostle Paul. For example, the Church views Stephen’s martyrdom as a catalyst for missionary expansion.

10. Prayers and Devotions for the Feast of Saint Stephen

The faithful honor Saint Stephen through participation in the Eucharist, the Liturgy of the Hours, and personal prayer. He is frequently invoked for courage in persecution and the grace of forgiveness (USCCB, 2023). The Church also encourages prayer for persecuted Christians worldwide on this feast. For example, devotions reflect the Church’s solidarity with suffering members of the Body of Christ (CCC, 953).

11. Saint Stephen as a Model of Forgiveness and Courage

Stephen’s prayer for his executioners exemplifies Christ’s command to love one’s enemies (Matthew 5:44). The Church frequently cites Stephen when teaching about mercy, reconciliation, and the transformative power of forgiveness (CCC, 2844). For example, his witness remains central to Catholic moral teaching on non-retaliation and trust in divine justice.

References 

Catechism of the Catholic Church. (2019). Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Roman Missal. (2011). The Roman Missal, Third Typical Edition. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2023). Saint Stephen, first martyr. USCCB.

The Holy Bible, New American Bible Revised Edition. (2011). United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

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