St. Mark

St. Mark, also known as John Mark, was one of the four evangelists and the author of the Gospel of Mark. He was born in Jerusalem and was the son of a woman named Mary, whose house was a meeting place for the early Christians. Mark was a cousin of St. Barnabas and was likely introduced to Christianity through his family's connection to the apostles. His mother's house in Jerusalem was where the disciples gathered after the Ascension of Jesus, and it was there that Peter went after his miraculous release from prison.

Mark's relationship with St. Peter was particularly significant. He became Peter's companion and interpreter, traveling with him to Rome where he served as his secretary and translator. It was during this time that Mark wrote his Gospel, which is considered to be the earliest of the four Gospels. Mark's Gospel is unique in its brevity and directness, focusing on the actions of Jesus rather than his teachings. It emphasizes Jesus as the suffering servant and the Son of God who came to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.

Mark's missionary work took him to various parts of the Roman Empire. He accompanied St. Paul and St. Barnabas on their first missionary journey to Cyprus, but he left them at Perga in Pamphylia and returned to Jerusalem. This decision caused a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, as Paul did not want to take Mark on their second journey. However, Mark later reconciled with Paul and became a valuable companion in his ministry. Paul mentions Mark favorably in his letters, calling him a "fellow worker" and asking for him to be sent to him in prison.

According to tradition, Mark later traveled to Alexandria in Egypt, where he founded the Church and became its first bishop. He is credited with establishing Christianity in Egypt and is considered the founder of the Coptic Church. Mark's ministry in Alexandria was marked by his preaching, teaching, and the performance of miracles. He converted many pagans to Christianity and established a strong Christian community in the city.

Mark's death is traditionally believed to have occurred in Alexandria around the year 68 AD. According to legend, he was martyred by being dragged through the streets of Alexandria with a rope around his neck. His body was initially buried in Alexandria, but in the 9th century, Venetian merchants stole his remains and brought them to Venice, where they are now enshrined in the magnificent Basilica of St. Mark. This act made Mark the patron saint of Venice, and his symbol, the winged lion, became the symbol of the city.

Mark's Gospel is characterized by its vivid, action-oriented narrative style. It is the shortest of the four Gospels and focuses on Jesus' deeds rather than his words. Mark emphasizes Jesus' humanity and his suffering, presenting him as the suffering servant who came to serve and give his life for others. The Gospel begins with the ministry of John the Baptist and ends with the discovery of the empty tomb, though the original ending may have been lost. Mark's account is particularly important for its emphasis on the messianic secret and the gradual revelation of Jesus' identity as the Son of God.

St. Mark's legacy extends beyond his Gospel to his role in establishing the Church in Alexandria and his influence on the development of Christianity in Egypt. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican Churches, and his feast day is celebrated on April 25th. Mark's symbol, the winged lion, represents his role as an evangelist and his connection to the city of Venice, where his remains are now enshrined. His life and work continue to inspire Christians around the world to follow Jesus' example of service and sacrifice.

Liturgical Celebration

The feast of St. Mark the Evangelist is celebrated on April 25th, during the spring season when nature awakens and new life begins—a fitting time to honor the evangelist who proclaimed the new life found in Christ. This feast is celebrated as a feast in the Roman Catholic Church, recognizing Mark's importance as one of the four evangelists and the author of the earliest Gospel. The feast falls during the Easter season, a time when the Church celebrates the resurrection of Christ and the new life He offers to all believers. This timing makes it an ideal moment to remember Mark's emphasis on Jesus as the suffering servant who gave his life for others and was raised to new life. The feast provides an opportunity to honor Mark's memory and to reflect on how we can better proclaim the Gospel in our own lives and communities.

Traditions and Customs

On the feast day of St. Mark the Evangelist, many people participate in special prayers and devotions to honor his memory and seek his intercession. Churches, particularly those dedicated to St. Mark or located in Venice, hold special Masses and services. In Venice, the feast is celebrated with great solemnity, as St. Mark is the patron saint of the city. The famous Basilica of St. Mark hosts special services, and the city celebrates with processions and festivities. Many Christians also take time to read from the Gospel of Mark on this day, reflecting on his unique perspective on the life and ministry of Jesus. The day is also marked by prayers for evangelists, missionaries, and all those who work to spread the Gospel, asking for Mark's intercession in helping them to proclaim the Good News effectively. Many people also reflect on their own role in evangelization and pray for the courage and wisdom to share their faith with others.

Prayer and Devotion

The feast day is an excellent time to pray for the gift of evangelization and the courage to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed. Many people make special petitions for missionaries and evangelists, asking for St. Mark's intercession in helping them to spread the Good News effectively and courageously. The day is also a time to reflect on the importance of service and sacrifice in the Christian life and to pray for the grace to follow Jesus' example of self-giving love. St. Mark's feast day encourages us to remember that we are all called to be evangelists in our own way, sharing the love of Christ with those around us through our words and actions. It is also a time to pray for the grace to be faithful to our commitments and to persevere in our faith, even when faced with difficulties or opposition. The feast reminds us that the Gospel is meant to be shared and that each of us has a role to play in bringing others to Christ.