St. Joanna
Wife of Chuza, Disciple of Jesus, Witness of the Resurrection
📖 Life of St. Joanna
St. Joanna was the wife of Chuza, who served as the steward of King Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee. Her position in the royal household gave her access to resources and influence that she would later use to support the ministry of Jesus and His Apostles.
Joanna's name is derived from the Hebrew name "Yohannah," which means "God is gracious." This name would prove prophetic, as she would become a recipient of God's grace through her encounter with Jesus Christ and her subsequent discipleship.
As a woman of means and social standing, Joanna was able to provide material support for Jesus and His Apostles during their ministry. Along with other faithful women like Mary Magdalene and Susanna, she helped to ensure that the basic needs of Jesus and His followers were met, allowing them to focus on their mission of preaching the Gospel.
Joanna's support of Jesus' ministry was particularly significant because it came from within the household of Herod Antipas, the same ruler who would later play a role in the trial and execution of Jesus. Her willingness to support Jesus, despite the potential risks to her social position and safety, demonstrates her courage and commitment to the truth.
Joanna's most significant role in the Gospel story came on the morning of the Resurrection. She was one of the three women who went to the tomb of Jesus to anoint His body with spices, only to discover that the tomb was empty. This discovery would change the course of human history and become the foundation of the Christian faith.
The Gospel of Luke specifically mentions Joanna as one of the women who discovered the empty tomb and who later reported this miraculous event to the Apostles. Her witness to the Resurrection makes her one of the first evangelists of the Christian faith, as she helped to spread the news of Jesus' victory over death.
🌟 Legacy of St. Joanna: Witness of the Resurrection
First Witness of the Resurrection
St. Joanna's role as one of the first witnesses of the Resurrection gives her a unique place in salvation history. Her discovery of the empty tomb and her subsequent testimony to the Apostles makes her one of the foundational witnesses of the Christian faith. Her courage in going to the tomb despite the danger and her faithfulness in reporting what she had seen demonstrate the qualities of a true disciple.
Model of Generous Discipleship
Joanna's willingness to use her resources and social position to support Jesus' ministry serves as a powerful example of what it means to be a generous disciple. She did not let her wealth or status prevent her from serving Christ, but rather used these gifts to further His mission. Her example reminds us that all our resources, whether material, social, or spiritual, should be used in service to God and His Church.
Courage in the Face of Opposition
Joanna's support of Jesus came from within the household of Herod Antipas, making her actions particularly courageous. She risked her social position, her husband's career, and possibly her safety to support a man who was viewed as a threat by the ruling authorities. Her courage in the face of potential opposition serves as an example for all Christians who must choose between worldly security and faithfulness to Christ.
Patroness of Women's Ministry
St. Joanna has become a powerful patroness for women in ministry and for all those who serve the Church through their resources and talents. Her example shows that women have always played crucial roles in the life of the Church, from providing material support to being witnesses of the most important events in salvation history.
📅 Feast Day
Memorial of St. Joanna, Disciple of Jesus
Liturgical Celebration
The feast of St. Joanna is celebrated on May 24th. This memorial honors her role as a faithful disciple of Jesus, her generous support of His ministry, and her witness to the Resurrection.
Biblical Significance
St. Joanna's feast day is particularly significant because of her unique role in the Gospel story. As one of the first witnesses of the Resurrection, she holds a special place in the history of salvation and in the foundation of the Christian faith.
Devotional Practices
On her feast day, Catholics pray for her intercession, especially for those called to support the Church through their resources, for women in ministry, for those seeking to be faithful witnesses to Christ, and for the grace to use our gifts generously in service to God.
🛡️ Patronage
Primary Patronages
- • Women in Ministry: Patroness of women serving the Church
- • Generous Discipleship: Helper for those supporting ministry
- • Witnesses of Faith: Patroness of those testifying to Christ
- • Resurrection Witnesses: Helper for those proclaiming the Gospel
- • Women of Means: Patroness of those using resources for God
- • Biblical Women: Model for women in Scripture
Special Intentions
- • Generous Giving: Helper for those supporting Church ministries
- • Courage in Witness: Patroness of those facing opposition
- • Faithful Discipleship: Helper for those following Christ
- • Women's Leadership: Patroness of women in Church leadership
- • Resurrection Faith: Helper for those proclaiming the Gospel
- • Material Support: Patroness of those funding ministry
🙏 Prayers
Prayer to St. Joanna
"O St. Joanna, faithful disciple of Jesus and witness of the Resurrection, who generously supported the ministry of Christ with your resources and courage, pray for us who call upon your intercession.
Help us to be generous in our support of the Church and its ministries, to be courageous witnesses to the truth of the Resurrection, and to use our gifts and resources in service to God and His people.
Through your powerful intercession, may we be blessed with the grace to be faithful disciples of Christ and generous stewards of His gifts. Amen."
Prayer for Generous Discipleship
"St. Joanna, who used your resources and social position to support Jesus' ministry, intercede for all those who are called to support the Church through their material gifts and talents.
Help them to be generous and faithful stewards of God's gifts, using their resources to further the mission of Christ in the world. Through Christ our Lord. Amen."
Prayer for Women in Ministry
"O St. Joanna, patroness of women in ministry, intercede for all women who serve the Church in various capacities. Help them to be faithful witnesses to Christ and to use their gifts generously in His service.
May they, like you, find courage and strength in their discipleship and be blessed in their ministry. Through Christ our Lord. Amen."