Saint Stephen: Witness After Christmas
The Feast of Saint Stephen, the Protomartyr (First Martyr) is celebrated on December 26, the day after Christmas, in the Catholic Church (and most Western traditions).
One of the first seven deacons (Acts 6:1-6), Stephen was “full of grace and power” (Acts 6:8), performing wonders and boldly proclaiming Christ. Accused of blasphemy, he delivered a powerful speech recounting salvation history (Acts 7), culminating in his vision: “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56). Enraged, the crowd stoned him. As he died, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” and “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:59-60)—echoing Christ’s words on the Cross.
Leadership Lessons for Catholic Leaders
His feast follows Christmas to highlight that the Incarnation leads to the Cross: the joy of Christ’s birth demands courageous witness, even unto death. As Pope Francis notes, it strips away any “saccharine-sweetness” from Christmas, reminding us of true discipleship.
