Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

Saint Matthew the Apostle was born in the land of Israel, and the Gospels remember him as a tax collector stationed at Capernaum. There, while he sat at the customs post, Jesus looked upon him with mercy and called him, “Follow me.” Matthew rose, left his former life behind, and became one of the Twelve—an enduring sign that no past is beyond the reach of Christ’s grace. After the Lord’s Ascension, Matthew remained with the disciples in Jerusalem, sharing in the Church’s first preaching that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Early Christian tradition holds that he first proclaimed the Gospel among the Jewish people in Judea, and then carried the good news to distant lands, often associated with regions called “Ethiopia” in ancient sources. The Church also venerates him as a martyr, faithful to Christ even unto death. Honored as an Evangelist, Matthew is traditionally linked with the Gospel that bears his name, guiding countless believers to know and love the Lord. He is patron of places including Asiago and Aurano. His feast day is November 16.

Saint Castor of Apt was born in Nîmes in Roman Gaul, and was formed by study at Arles. After his father’s death he entered public life as a lawyer, gaining renown for his skill and integrity—even traveling to the imperial court to secure a decisive judgment in a difficult case. In time he married the daughter of the widow he had defended, but their household was marked by a deeper call: by mutual agreement they embraced consecrated life, his wife entering a convent while Castor founded the monastery of Saint-Faustin at Manauque in Provence, following the monastic spirit taught by John Cassian. Though reluctant to lead, he accepted the abbacy in obedience, and was later chosen as bishop of Apt, serving the Church with pastoral care and a love for authentic monastic renewal. As bishop he encouraged Cassian’s work, asking him to write on the life and discipline of the monks. Castor died peacefully around 423, and is honored as a patron of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nîmes. His feast day is September 21.