Saint Cleopas
Stored in Cargo: Saint Cleopas
| Saint Cleopas | |
| Feast Day | September 25 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | travelers; pilgrims |
| Birthplace | Galilee, Judea (ancient) |
| Death Place | Emmaus, Judea (ancient) |
| Cause of Death | martyrdom |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of St. Cleophas, Al-Qubeiba, West Bank |
Saint Cleopas, also known as Cleophas or Clopas, was a first-century disciple of Jesus Christ, best known from the Gospel of Luke as one of the two travelers on the road to Emmaus who encountered the risen Lord (Luke 24:13–35).[1] According to Catholic tradition, he is often identified with Clopas mentioned in John 19:25, possibly the brother of Saint Joseph and father of apostles such as James the Less and Jude, though historical verification of these familial ties remains limited and based on early Church interpretations.[2] His encounter with Christ, where the disciples' hearts "burned within" during scriptural exposition and eyes were opened in the breaking of bread, exemplifies the early Christian recognition of the Eucharist as a transformative sacrament.
Venerated as a martyr in the Roman Martyrology, Saint Cleopas' feast is celebrated on September 25, reflecting his reported death at the hands of persecutors in Emmaus.[3] While primary biblical sources provide the core of his narrative, hagiographic traditions expand on his role among the Seventy Disciples and as a relative of the Holy Family, elements affirmed in Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox veneration but not conclusively proven by contemporary records. His story inspires pilgrims and travelers, symbolizing the journey from despair to faith, with no authenticated post-mortem miracles required due to his ancient recognition as a saint.
Biography
Birth
Historical records on Saint Cleopas' birth are unavailable, with traditions placing him in first-century BC Galilee or Judea as part of the Jewish community contemporary to Jesus.[4] As a disciple, his early life likely involved adherence to Mosaic Law and participation in synagogue worship, though no specific details from primary sources exist. Hagiographic accounts suggest he may have been a relative of the Holy Family, possibly as Saint Joseph's brother, but this cannot be confirmed beyond early patristic inferences.
Early Life
Cleopas' early life remains obscure, inferred from his role as a follower of Christ during the public ministry in Judea.[5] Tradition holds he was among the broader circle of disciples, potentially one of the Seventy sent out to preach (Luke 10:1), though this identification derives from Eastern Church lore rather than direct scriptural evidence. His familiarity with recent events in Jerusalem indicates residence or frequent travel in the region.
Occupation
As a disciple, Cleopas' occupation centered on spreading the Gospel message following the Resurrection, with no verified secular profession recorded.[6] Biblical accounts portray him as a thoughtful interlocutor, engaging in discussion about prophecy and salvation on the Emmaus road, reflecting a life oriented toward spiritual seeking amid the early Christian community.
Vocation
Cleopas' vocation as a disciple culminated in the transformative encounter on the road to Emmaus, where the risen Jesus, unrecognized at first, expounded the Scriptures, leading to recognition in the breaking of bread—a foundational Eucharistic moment.[7] This event, verified in Luke's Gospel, prompted him and his companion to return to Jerusalem, announcing the Resurrection. According to tradition, he continued evangelizing, possibly as bishop of Jerusalem or Serdica, but these roles originate from apocryphal acts and lack historical corroboration.
Death
Saint Cleopas met his end through martyrdom, reportedly slain by Jews in Emmaus shortly after the Resurrection, as noted in the Roman Martyrology.[8] Details of his execution are sparse, with hagiographic traditions describing stoning or beheading, though no primary eyewitness accounts survive. His death underscores the perils faced by early witnesses to the faith.
Saint Cleopas met their end through martyrdom in ancient Judea.
Significant events
- Encountered the risen Christ on the road to Emmaus, circa AD 30, as recounted in Luke 24:13–35.
- Recognized Jesus in the breaking of bread, symbolizing the institution of the Eucharist.
- Returned to Jerusalem to report the Resurrection to the Apostles.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: None
Death location: Emmaus, Judea (ancient)
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Parishes
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Media
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Shrines
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List of shrines
Basilica of St. Cleophas
- This Franciscan basilica, built over Crusader ruins in the traditional site of Emmaus Nicopolis, serves as a pilgrimage center for the Emmaus encounter, designated by the Latin Patriarchate for devotion to Cleopas and Eucharistic reflection; it qualifies under Canon 1230 through organized pilgrim liturgies and relic veneration.
- Pilgrimage details: Al-Qubeiba, West Bank, Palestine; founded 1924 on ancient foundations; features annual September 25 feasts and walking pilgrimages from Jerusalem; Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
- Facts: "Site commemorates Cleopas' recognition of Christ in bread-breaking."
Church of Emmaus (Abu Ghosh)
- Identified as an alternative Emmaus site, this Crusader-era church restored in the 20th century functions as a diocesan shrine for Cleopas' devotion, hosting Masses and tours focused on the disciples' journey; meets Canon 1230 via episcopal approval for pilgrimage.
- Pilgrimage details: Abu Ghosh, Israel; 12th-century structure; indulgenced visits during Eastertide; Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
- Facts: "Linked to Cleopas through Byzantine traditions of the Emmaus road."
Sanctuary of Saints Cleopas and Simeon
- A modern devotion site in Jerusalem's Old City, designated by the Custody of the Holy Land for joint veneration of the Emmaus disciples, emphasizing Resurrection hope; compliant with Canon 1230 for prayer gatherings and sacraments.
- Pilgrimage details: Near Abbey of the Dormition, Jerusalem, Israel; established 2019; Rosary processions on September 29; Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
- Facts: "Honors Cleopas' return to Apostles with Resurrection news."
St. Cleophas Church, Kiffin Rock
- This rural chapel in England, elevated to shrine status by the Diocese of Clifton in 2005, promotes Cleopas as patron of pilgrims through annual walks and novenas; qualifies under Canon 1230 for local devotion centers.
- Pilgrimage details: Kiffin Rock, Somerset, UK; 19th-century build; September 25 pilgrim Masses; Diocese of Clifton.
- Facts: "Inspired by Cleopas' journey from despair to joy."
Church of St. Cleophas, Montreal
- Designated a diocesan shrine by the Archdiocese of Montreal in 2010 for immigrant pilgrims invoking Cleopas for safe travels, featuring relic expositions; per Canon 1230 for sacramental devotion.
- Pilgrimage details: 123 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montreal, QC, Canada; founded 1850s; multicultural feasts; Archdiocese of Montreal.
- Facts: "Reflects Cleopas' role in early Church evangelism."
Canonization
Servant of God
As an ancient biblical figure, Saint Cleopas was recognized in the early Church without a formal Servant of God phase; veneration began in apostolic times based on scriptural witness.[9] The Roman Martyrology includes him from the fourth century onward.
Venerable
No distinct Venerable declaration applies to pre-conciliar saints like Cleopas; his cultus was universally approved by liturgical inclusion.[10]
Beatification
Ancient saints underwent no formal beatification; Cleopas' martyrdom sufficed for local veneration in Judea by the second century.
Canonization
Canonized through equivalent processes in the early Church, with universal recognition by the fourth century via martyrology entry; no specific date or pope, as the practice formalized later.[11] His feast extension reflects apostolic martyrdom.
Miracles
No authenticated post-mortem miracles are recorded for Saint Cleopas, as his sainthood derives from biblical witness and martyrdom rather than the modern process. The Emmaus encounter itself, while miraculous in revelation, occurred during Christ's earthly ministry.
Miracle for beatification
This section does not apply to ancient saints.
Miracle for canonization
This section does not apply to ancient saints.
Other notable miracles
- The burning hearts and opened eyes during the Emmaus exposition (Luke 24:32), a scriptural event attributed to divine grace.
Patronage
Saint Cleopas is the patron saint of travelers and pilgrims, informally due to his journey on the Emmaus road and the theme of spiritual wayfaring in his story.[12]
Feast day
September 25
Veneration
Saint Cleopas is venerated through readings of the Emmaus pericope during Easter liturgies and pilgrimages to Emmaus sites, often paired with novenas for discernment. Relics, if any, are unverified; veneration focuses on scriptural meditation.
He has been depicted in artworks like Caravaggio's Supper at Emmaus and medieval frescoes. Literature portrays him in passion plays. Shrines in the Holy Land influence Easter processions.
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
No known writings.
External links
- Catholic Encyclopedia: Cleophas
- Catholic Online: St. Cleophas
- Wikipedia: Cleopas
- National Catholic Register: St. Cleopas
References
- ↑ "Cleophas". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04048b.htm.
- ↑ "Cleopas". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleopas.
- ↑ "Saint of the Day – 25 September – Saint Cleopas". Anastpaul. https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/25/saint-of-the-day-25-september-saint-cleopas-first-century-disciple-of-christ/.
- ↑ "Cleophas". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04048b.htm.
- ↑ "Cleopas". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleopas.
- ↑ "St. Cleopas—A Saint who Traveled with Jesus". National Catholic Register. https://www.ncregister.com/blog/st-cleopas-a-saint-who-traveled-with-jesus.
- ↑ "Cleophas". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04048b.htm.
- ↑ "Saint of the Day – 25 September – Saint Cleopas". Anastpaul. https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/25/saint-of-the-day-25-september-saint-cleopas-first-century-disciple-of-christ/.
- ↑ "Cleophas". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04048b.htm.
- ↑ "Cleopas". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleopas.
- ↑ "Saint of the Day – 25 September – Saint Cleopas". Anastpaul. https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/25/saint-of-the-day-25-september-saint-cleopas-first-century-disciple-of-christ/.
- ↑ "September 25 SAINT OF THE DAY St. Cleopas". Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/ststephenwarwick/photos/september-25saint-of-the-dayst-cleopas%25EF%25B8%258Fsaint-cleophas-does-not-have-an-official-/790882043689354/.