Saint Barnabas, Apostle

Saint Barnabas was born on the island of Cyprus, a Levite of Jewish heritage, and was given the name Joseph (or Joses). In the first days of the Church in Jerusalem, he showed a generous heart by selling his land and laying the proceeds at the apostles’ feet. The apostles called him Barnabas, “son of encouragement,” a name that reflects his gift for strengthening others in faith. When Saul of Tarsus came to Jerusalem after his conversion, Barnabas bravely introduced him to the apostles. Sent to guide the growing Church in Antioch, Barnabas rejoiced at God’s grace there and sought out Paul to help with the work. Together they taught, served the poor, and undertook missionary journeys through Cyprus and regions of Anatolia, proclaiming Christ to both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. Barnabas took part in the Council of Jerusalem, which affirmed that Gentiles could enter the Church without adopting all Jewish practices. Tradition holds that he later suffered martyrdom at Salamis in Cyprus and is honored as a founder of the Church there. Saint Barnabas is venerated as patron of places including Logroño and Marbella. His feast day is June 11.

Saint John of Sahagún was born in 1419 in Sahagún, in the Province of León, Spain, the eldest child of a well-to-do family. Educated by the Benedictines, he was ordained a priest in 1445 and made a canon at Burgos, yet his conscience was troubled by holding multiple benefices. Renouncing honors, he chose a humbler ministry among the poor, embracing poverty and penance. After further study in theology and canon law at the University of Salamanca, John became a renowned preacher whose words drew crowds and stirred hearts. He spoke boldly against sin and public scandal, even among the powerful, and his fearless charity won him both admiration and enemies. Following a serious illness, he entered the Augustinian Order in 1463 and later served as master of novices and prior, leading more by example than command. Deeply devoted to the Blessed Sacrament, he became a peacemaker in Salamanca, reconciling factions and defending the common people. He died on June 11, 1479, and is venerated as the patron saint of Salamanca. His feast day is June 11.

Saint Alice of Schaerbeek was born around 1220 in Schaerbeek, near Brussels in the Duchy of Brabant. Frail from childhood, she was sent at only seven years old to be educated at the Cistercian abbey of La Cambre, where her gentle spirit, keen mind, and deep love for God quietly matured. She remained there for the rest of her life as a Cistercian lay sister, embracing humble service and prayer. Around the age of twenty she contracted leprosy and was separated from the community, living in a small hut and enduring intense pain and loneliness. Alice did not waste her suffering; she offered it to God for the conversion of sinners and for the souls in purgatory. As her illness progressed, she became paralyzed and eventually blind. In her darkness and weakness, her greatest consolation was the Holy Eucharist, and she clung to Christ’s presence with steadfast trust. Venerated especially as a patron of the blind, Saint Alice died in 1250, about thirty years old. Her feast day is June 11.