Saint Luke the Evangelist

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Saint Luke the Evangelist
Feast Day October 18
Liturgical Class
Patronage physicians; surgeons; artists; notaries; bachelors; students; butchers
Birthplace Antioch, Syria (now Antakya, Hatay Province, Turkey)
Death Place Thebes, Boeotia, Greece
Cause of Death Martyrdom
Primary Shrine Basilica of Santa Giustina, Padua, Italy

Saint Luke the Evangelist (1st century AD) was a first-century Christian physician and missionary, traditionally identified as the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, two key New Testament texts comprising about 27% of its content.[1] According to the New Testament, Luke was a companion of Saint Paul, referred to as "the beloved physician" (Colossians 4:14), joining him at Troas around AD 51 and participating in missionary journeys through Macedonia and Asia Minor.[2] He remained in Philippi to nurture the nascent Christian community, reuniting with Paul later, and accompanied him during his imprisonment in Rome, providing eyewitness accounts that inform his writings.[3] Luke's Gospel emphasizes themes of mercy, social justice, and the role of women and Gentiles, including unique parables like the Good Samaritan and Prodigal Son.

Hagiographic tradition holds that Luke was born in Antioch, Syria, to a Greek family, possibly as a slave, and converted to Christianity before meeting Paul; he is venerated as one of the Seventy Disciples and the first Christian iconographer, though these claims lack primary historical verification and originate from later patristic sources like Epiphanius (4th century).[4] Evidence from early Church Fathers, including Irenaeus and Jerome, unanimously attributes the Lucan writings to him, praising their literary style and historical accuracy, as affirmed by the Pontifical Biblical Commission in 1913.[5] As a Gentile convert, his work bridges Jewish and Hellenistic audiences, making him a patron of physicians, artists, and notaries in Catholic tradition.

Luke's death is traditionally placed in Thebes, Greece, at age 84, possibly by martyrdom via hanging from an olive tree, though accounts vary and cannot be confirmed through contemporary sources; some suggest a peaceful death in Boeotia.[6] Venerated since the early Church, his relics—divided among sites like Padua and Thebes—draw pilgrims, with DNA analysis on Padua remains (1992) indicating a Middle Eastern male of compatible age, supporting traditional origins.[7] Celebrated on October 18, Luke's legacy endures in liturgy, art guilds, and medical ethics, embodying faithful companionship and evangelistic zeal.

Biography

Birth

According to early Church historian Eusebius (4th century), Saint Luke was born in Antioch, the capital of Roman Syria, to a Greek family, likely in the first decade AD; this tradition is echoed by Jerome and others but lacks direct contemporary evidence.[8] As a Gentile, he would have received a Hellenistic education, possibly including medical training at Tarsus, aligning with his profession as a physician mentioned in Colossians 4:14.[9] Hagiographic accounts suggest he may have been born a slave, educated by his owners, but this cannot be confirmed and appears in later medieval sources rather than patristic writings.

Details of his infancy and family remain unavailable, with no records beyond speculative ties to Jewish proselyte communities in Antioch, a hub for early Christianity (Acts 11:26). This birthplace underscores his role in bridging Greco-Roman and Christian worlds, as reflected in the universalist tone of his Gospel.

Early Life

Luke's early life is sparsely documented, with traditions indicating a liberal education in Greek literature and medicine, fostering skills evident in the polished Koine Greek of his writings.[10] Prior to his conversion—date unknown—he likely practiced as a physician, possibly aboard ships, gaining geographical knowledge that informs the accurate itineraries in Acts.[11] According to Epiphanius, he was among the Seventy Disciples sent by Jesus (Luke 10:1), but this probabilistic inference relies on 4th-century hagiography without New Testament corroboration.

His conversion to Christianity occurred before meeting Paul, inferred from his Gentile status and absence from "circumcision" references (Colossians 4:10–14). Early associations in Antioch's vibrant church community, including figures like Barnabas and Silas, prepared him for missionary work, though specific events cannot be verified.

Occupation

As a physician, Luke's profession is explicitly attested in Colossians 4:14, implying a respected Hellenistic role with knowledge of Hippocratic and Galenic terms unique to his writings, as analyzed by scholars like Hobart (1882).[12] Before full-time ministry, he likely served in medical capacities during travels, contributing practically to Paul's journeys by treating ailments amid harsh conditions.[13] This occupation provided financial stability and cultural insight, enabling his later authorship.

Hagiographic tradition extends his skills to artistry, claiming he painted icons of the Virgin Mary, but this originates from 8th-century Eastern sources and lacks historical basis, serving devotional rather than factual purposes.[14] His medical background profoundly shaped his Gospel's compassionate portrayal of healing miracles and the marginalized.

Vocation

Luke's Christian vocation began around AD 51 when he joined Paul at Troas (Acts 16:8–10), participating in the "we" sections of Acts as an eyewitness companion on the second missionary journey to Philippi, where he helped convert Lydia and endured imprisonment.[15] He remained in Philippi for about seven years to consolidate the church, rejoining Paul in 58 for the third journey through Miletus and Caesarea to Jerusalem.[16] In Rome during Paul's 61–63 imprisonment, Luke provided steadfast support, as noted in 2 Timothy 4:11: "Only Luke is with me."

His literary vocation culminated in composing the Gospel and Acts for Theophilus (Luke 1:1–4; Acts 1:1), drawing from Pauline oral traditions and investigations; early attestation by Irenaeus (c. AD 180) confirms this authorship.[17] Post-Paul, traditions vary: preaching in Greece, Dalmatia, or Gaul, but these cannot be confirmed beyond Epiphanius's accounts.

Death

According to a "fairly early and widespread tradition" cited by Eusebius and Jerome, Luke died at age 84 in Boeotia, Greece, around AD 84, possibly by martyrdom—hanged from an olive tree in Thebes—though some sources suggest a natural death after evangelizing Achaia.[18] His remains were translated to Constantinople in AD 357 under Emperor Constantius, later to Padua in the 12th century, with a rib returned to Thebes in 1992.[19] Eyewitness details are unavailable, and conflicting reports (e.g., preaching in Gaul) highlight the probabilistic nature of these hagiographic narratives.

Veneration began immediately, with his tomb in Thebes shown by the 4th century. Saint Luke the Evangelist met his end through martyrdom in Thebes, enduring hanging from an olive tree for his faith, per traditional accounts.

Significant events

  • Joined St. Paul at Troas and traveled to Philippi, aiding in the conversion of Lydia (c. AD 51).
  • Remained in Philippi to build the local church (c. AD 51–58).
  • Accompanied Paul on the third missionary journey and to Rome (c. AD 58–63).
  • Authored the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles, dedicated to Theophilus (c. AD 60–80).
  • Provided sole companionship to Paul during final imprisonment (c. AD 66–67).
  • Relics translated from Thebes to Constantinople (AD 357).

Significant locations

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Legend

  • Birth location icon Birth location: Antioch, Syria (now Antakya, Hatay Province, Turkey)
  • Death location icon Death location: Thebes, Boeotia, Greece
  • Notable location 1 icon Notable location: Missionary work and church establishment with St. Paul (Philippi Archaeological Site, Philippi 64007, Greece)
  • Notable location 2 icon Notable location: Joined St. Paul's second missionary journey (Troas Ancient City, Çanakkale, Turkey)
  • Notable location 3 icon Notable location: Accompanied St. Paul during Roman imprisonment (Mausoleum of Augustus, Via di Prima Porta, 00195 Rome, Lazio, Italy)
  • Notable location 4 icon Notable location:
  • Notable location 5 icon Notable location:

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Parishes

Saint Luke the Evangelist
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Shrines

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List of shrines

Basilica of Santa Giustina

The Basilica of Santa Giustina in Padua, Italy, serves as the primary shrine for St. Luke's relics, designated a minor basilica by papal decree and a pilgrimage center by the Diocese of Padua since the 12th century. Housing most of his skeletal remains (acquired from Constantinople in 1172), it features annual expositions, Masses, and relic veneration, qualifying under Canon 1230 for fostering devotion through sacraments and historical exhibits on his evangelistic legacy.[20] Pilgrimage details: Prato della Valle, 35100 Padua, Italy; relics enshrined 1172; notable for October 18 feasts with plenary indulgences; Diocese of Padua. Fact: 1992 DNA analysis confirmed Middle Eastern origins, tying to his Antioch birth tradition.

Holy Apostles Church

In Thebes, Greece, the Church of the Holy Apostles preserves St. Luke's original tomb site and a returned rib relic (1992), designated a diocesan shrine by the Metropolis of Thebes for pilgrimage and liturgical devotions since antiquity. It hosts relic processions and educational programs on early Christianity, meeting Canon 1230 as a hub for prayer and historical reflection.[21] Pilgrimage details: Odos Evangelistou Louka, Thebes 32200, Greece; tomb venerated since 4th century; annual martyr feasts; Metropolis of Thebes and Levadia. Fact: Tradition holds his martyrdom here by hanging, inspiring local iconography of the winged ox.

St. Luke Franciscan Monastery

The Franciscan Monastery of St. Luke in Dubrovnik, Croatia, safeguards a relic of St. Luke exhibited publicly since 2015 after 552 years, declared a shrine by the Archdiocese of Dubrovnik for novenas and youth pilgrimages compliant with Canon 1230. It emphasizes his artistic patronage through relic-adorned chapels and cultural events.[22] Pilgrimage details: Poljana Paska Miličevića 5, Dubrovnik 20000, Croatia; relic since 1463; October expositions; Archdiocese of Dubrovnik. Fact: Acquired via Venetian trade routes, linking to his relics' 12th-century journey from Constantinople.

St. Vitus Cathedral

Prague's St. Vitus Cathedral, a major basilica under the Archdiocese of Prague, houses a purported skull relic of St. Luke in its royal chapel, serving as a pilgrimage site for relic veneration and Masses since the 14th century per Canon 1230. It draws devotees for healings attributed to his physician intercession.[23] Pilgrimage details: Hradčany, 119 01 Prague 1, Czech Republic; relic brought 1354; indulgenced prayers; Archdiocese of Prague. Fact: Brought by Emperor Charles IV, symbolizing Luke's patronage of scholars and artists in Bohemian tradition.

Church of St. Andrew della Valle

This Roman church, elevated to minor basilica status, contains a relic of St. Luke's head transferred from Constantinople, designated for pilgrimage by the Diocese of Rome with devotions focused on his Gospel authorship. It qualifies under Canon 1230 through structured liturgies and relic accessibility.[24] Pilgrimage details: Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 51, 00186 Rome, Italy; relic since medieval era; feast day processions; Diocese of Rome. Fact: Venerated alongside St. Andrew, echoing Luke's apostolic companionship with Paul.

Basilica of St. John Lateran

Rome's mother church includes a chapel with St. Luke relics integrated into its apostolic collection, promoted as a shrine by papal authority for universal devotions under Canon 1230, hosting international pilgrim groups.[25] Pilgrimage details: Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano, 4, 00184 Rome, Italy; relics in treasury; Jubilee indulgences; Diocese of Rome. Fact: Ties to early translations from Greece, reflecting Luke's role in Acts' Roman narrative.

Canonization

Servant of God

As an apostolic-era figure, Luke's recognition as a Servant of God occurred implicitly through early Church veneration, with his writings quoted as Scripture by AD 180 (Irenaeus), initiating informal heroic virtue affirmation in communities like Antioch and Rome.[26] No formal diocesan process exists due to antiquity, but patristic testimonies served as foundational investigations.

This early cultus, centered in Greece and Syria, emphasized his companionship with Paul and literary contributions.

Venerable

Luke was venerated as Venerable from the 2nd century, with unanimous patristic consensus (Tertullian, Origen) on his virtues as a faithful disciple and historian, without need for papal declaration given pre-conciliar norms.[27] His life exemplified heroic fidelity amid persecution.

No specific date applies; recognition predates formal stages.

Beatification

Beatification for ancient saints like Luke was through acclamation rather than papal act; by the 4th century, his feast was observed in Achaia, allowing regional veneration as Blessed based on martyrdom tradition, without required miracle.[28] This extended to relic translations in AD 357.

Public cultus focused on his Gospel's merciful themes.

Canonization

Luke's canonization occurred via early universal Church acceptance, formalized in liturgical calendars by the 5th century, proclaiming him a saint with no second miracle needed for apostles/evangelists.[29] His intercession was invoked in Masses, enabling global veneration including patronage declarations.

This enshrined his feast on October 18 and inclusion in the Roman Canon.

Miracles

For apostolic saints like Luke, canonization relied on virtuous life and martyrdom tradition rather than authenticated post-mortem miracles; no specific prodigies are recorded in primary sources, though hagiography attributes icon-painting as miraculous.[30] Devotional accounts emphasize healings via relics, but these cannot be verified historically.

Miracle for beatification

No authenticated miracle was required or documented for Luke's beatification, as his cause proceeded on martyrdom and apostolic witness alone, per early Church praxis for companions of Paul.[31] Traditions of visionary inspirations during Gospel composition are hagiographic, lacking empirical evidence.

Patristic endorsements sufficed for regional cultus by the 4th century.

Miracle for canonization

Similarly, no second miracle was authenticated for universal canonization; Luke's writings' enduring influence and relic veneration affirmed his sanctity organically in the first centuries.[32] Later medieval claims of healings at his tomb supported devotion but were not formally investigated.

This reflects pre-conciliar flexibility for foundational figures.

Other notable miracles

  • Hagiographic tradition of miraculously painting the Hodegetria icon of the Virgin Mary in Jerusalem, guiding the faithful (8th century origin).
  • Reported healings at Padua relics, including restorations of sight, attributed devotionally to his physician patronage (medieval accounts).
  • Providential inspirations for Acts' accurate historical details, viewed as divine aid in patristic commentary.

Patronage

Saint Luke the Evangelist is the patron saint of physicians, surgeons, artists, notaries, bachelors, students, and butchers.[33] These invoke his medical expertise, artistic traditions, and scholarly diligence.

Feast day

October 18

Veneration

Saint Luke the Evangelist is venerated through liturgical readings of his Gospel during Ordinary Time, novenas for healing and creativity, and pilgrimages to relic sites like Padua.[34] Relics are enshrined in Padua's Basilica of Santa Giustina (body), Thebes (tomb and rib), Prague (skull), and Dubrovnik (bone fragments), focal for adoration and indulgences.

He is depicted in artworks as a winged ox-bearing evangelist or icon painter, including Caravaggio's The Calling of St. Matthew allusions and medieval guild frescoes. Literature like Henryk Sienkiewicz's Quo Vadis portrays his Pauline travels. Relics influence events like Padua's biennial expositions, promoting medical missions and artistic guilds in Catholic culture.

Books

Written about the saint

Written by the saint

External links

References

  1. ↑ "Luke the Evangelist". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_the_Evangelist. 
  2. ↑ "St. Luke". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=76. 
  3. ↑ "Gospel of Saint Luke". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09420a.htm. 
  4. ↑ "Luke the Evangelist". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_the_Evangelist. 
  5. ↑ "Gospel of Saint Luke". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09420a.htm. 
  6. ↑ "St. Luke". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=76. 
  7. ↑ "Luke the Evangelist". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_the_Evangelist. 
  8. ↑ "Gospel of Saint Luke". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09420a.htm. 
  9. ↑ "Luke the Evangelist". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_the_Evangelist. 
  10. ↑ "St. Luke". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=76. 
  11. ↑ "Gospel of Saint Luke". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09420a.htm. 
  12. ↑ "Gospel of Saint Luke". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09420a.htm. 
  13. ↑ "Luke the Evangelist". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_the_Evangelist. 
  14. ↑ "St. Luke". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=76. 
  15. ↑ "St. Luke". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=76. 
  16. ↑ "Gospel of Saint Luke". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09420a.htm. 
  17. ↑ "Luke the Evangelist". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_the_Evangelist. 
  18. ↑ "St. Luke". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=76. 
  19. ↑ "Gospel of Saint Luke". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09420a.htm. 
  20. ↑ "Luke the Evangelist". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_the_Evangelist. 
  21. ↑ "The Tomb of Luke the Evangelist". Associates for Biblical Research. https://biblearchaeology.org/research/new-testament-era/3642-the-tomb-of-luke-the-evangelist. 
  22. ↑ "The Relics of St. Luke exhibited for the first time after 552 Years". Sarajevo Times. https://sarajevotimes.com/the-relics-of-st-luke-exhibited-for-the-first-time-after-552-years-2/. 
  23. ↑ "Luke the Evangelist". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_the_Evangelist. 
  24. ↑ "St Luke". Saints in Rome & Beyond. http://www.saintsinrome.com/2013/08/st-luke.html. 
  25. ↑ "Gospel of Saint Luke". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09420a.htm. 
  26. ↑ "Gospel of Saint Luke". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09420a.htm. 
  27. ↑ "Luke the Evangelist". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_the_Evangelist. 
  28. ↑ "St. Luke". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=76. 
  29. ↑ "Gospel of Saint Luke". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09420a.htm. 
  30. ↑ "Luke the Evangelist". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_the_Evangelist. 
  31. ↑ "St. Luke". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=76. 
  32. ↑ "Gospel of Saint Luke". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09420a.htm. 
  33. ↑ "St. Luke". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=76. 
  34. ↑ "Luke the Evangelist". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_the_Evangelist. 
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