Saint Matthew
Stored in Cargo: Saint Matthew
| Saint Matthew | |
| Feast Day | September 21 (Catholic); 16 November (Orthodox) |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Accountants; Bankers; Tax collectors; Salerno, Italy |
| Birthplace | Capernaum, Galilee, Roman Empire |
| Death Place | Unknown, possibly Ethiopia or Persia |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom, likely beheading or stabbing |
| Primary Shrine | Salerno Cathedral, Salerno, Italy |
Saint Matthew (born c. 1st century AD, died c. 74 AD) was a Jewish saint, apostle, and evangelist, revered as one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ and the author of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament. Born Levi, a tax collector in Capernaum, Galilee, Roman Empire, he was called by Jesus to follow Him, abandoning his profession to become a disciple. Tradition holds that he preached the Gospel in Judea and possibly Ethiopia or Persia, spreading Christianity among Jewish and Gentile communities. Martyred, likely by beheading or stabbing, his relics are venerated in Salerno Cathedral, Italy. Recognized as a saint in the Catholic, Orthodox, and other Christian traditions, his legacy endures through his Gospel.[1][2]
Saint Matthew’s Gospel, emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy, remains a cornerstone of Christian theology, bridging Jewish and Gentile believers. His transformation from a despised tax collector to a faithful apostle inspires devotion as a model of repentance and mission. Celebrated on his feast day, 21 September in the Catholic Church and 16 November in the Orthodox Church, he is the patron saint of accountants, bankers, tax collectors, and Salerno, Italy. His influence persists in the Diocese of Salerno-Campagna-Acerno, with his relics drawing pilgrims and his story shaping Christian art and liturgy.[3][4]
Biography
Birth
Saint Matthew, also known as Levi, was born in the early 1st century AD in Capernaum, Galilee, Roman Empire.[1] No precise birth date or family details are recorded, as is common for apostolic figures, whose lives are preserved through biblical and hagiographic traditions. Capernaum, a fishing village on the Sea of Galilee in the Diocese of Tiberias, was a hub of Jewish life, shaping his cultural and religious background.
As a Jew, likely from the tribe of Levi, Matthew’s early environment included synagogue worship and Roman taxation, which he later collected. His birth context, under Roman rule, set the stage for his encounter with Jesus Christ.[3]
Early Life
Saint Matthew’s early life in Capernaum revolved around his role as a tax collector, a profession despised by Jews for its association with Roman oppression.[2] Known as Levi in the Gospels of Mark and Luke, he worked at a tax booth, collecting duties for Herod Antipas or Rome. His wealth contrasted with his social ostracism, as tax collectors were viewed as traitors and sinners.
His life changed when Jesus Christ called him to discipleship (Matthew 9:9), prompting him to abandon his post and host a feast for Jesus and other sinners. This transformative moment marked his shift from materialism to faith, preparing him for his apostolic mission.[4][5]
Occupation
Saint Matthew’s primary occupation was as an apostle and evangelist, following his earlier role as a tax collector.[1] Before his calling, he collected taxes in Capernaum, managing financial records with literacy in Aramaic and possibly Greek. After following Jesus, he became one of the Twelve Apostles, witnessing Christ’s ministry, death, and resurrection, and receiving the Great Commission to spread the Gospel (Matthew 28:19–20).
Post-Pentecost, he preached in Judea and possibly beyond, with traditions suggesting missions to Ethiopia, Persia, or Parthia. He authored the Gospel of Matthew, a text aimed at Jewish Christians, emphasizing Jesus as the Messiah. His occupation culminated in martyrdom.[3]
Vocation
Saint Matthew’s religious vocation was defined by his apostolic calling and evangelistic mission, rooted in his discipleship under Jesus Christ.[2] Called directly by Jesus, he left his lucrative tax booth to follow Him, embracing a life of preaching and service. As an apostle, he participated in Jesus’ ministry, learning His teachings and witnessing miracles, which shaped his Gospel’s narrative.
His vocation extended post-resurrection, spreading Christianity among Jews and Gentiles. Tradition holds he evangelized in Judea before traveling to Ethiopia or Persia, facing hostility yet persisting. His Gospel, written c. 70–85 AD, reflects his vocation to bridge Jewish law and Christian faith, cementing his legacy.[5][6]
Death
Saint Matthew died around 74 AD, likely through martyrdom, though the location and method are uncertain.[1] Traditions vary: some place his death in Ethiopia, others in Persia or Parthia, with accounts of beheading, stabbing, or burning. The most common narrative suggests he was killed for preaching Christianity, possibly under Roman or local authorities. Exact details are absent, reflecting sparse 1st-century records.[3]
His relics were reportedly transferred to Salerno, Italy, in the 10th century, where they are enshrined in Salerno Cathedral. His martyrdom solidified his veneration, inspiring devotion in the Diocese of Salerno-Campagna-Acerno.[4]
Significant events
- Called by Jesus Christ to discipleship in Capernaum, c. 30 AD.[1]
- Authored the Gospel of Matthew, c. 70–85 AD, for Jewish Christians.[3]
- Preached in Judea and possibly Ethiopia or Persia, post-Pentecost.[2]
- Martyred, likely by beheading or stabbing, c. 74 AD.[4]
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Capernaum, Galilee, Roman Empire
Death location: None
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Parishes
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Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize Saint Matthew as a Servant of God is not documented, as formal canonization did not exist in the 1st century. His veneration began immediately after his martyrdom c. 74 AD, driven by his apostolic role and Gospel authorship. Early Christian communities, particularly in Judea and Antioch, preserved his legacy through oral and written traditions.[3]
Venerable
Saint Matthew was not formally declared Venerable, as this title emerged later in the Catholic Church’s canonization process. His apostolic status and martyrdom ensured immediate recognition as a saint by early Christians.[5]
Beatification
Saint Matthew’s beatification was not formally recorded, as the process was not standardized in the 1st century. His veneration as a saint arose organically due to his role as an apostle, evangelist, and martyr. No specific miracle is documented, as martyrdom sufficed for early sainthood.[1]
Canonization
Saint Matthew was canonized through the pre-congregational process of the early Catholic Church, where apostolic status and martyrdom established sainthood. The exact date and officiating authority are unknown, as formal procedures were absent. His canonization likely occurred soon after his death c. 74 AD, evidenced by his inclusion in the Roman Martyrology and early liturgical calendars.[3] No miracles are recorded, but his apostolic legacy sufficed.[2]
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
No specific miracle is documented for Saint Matthew’s beatification, as the formal process did not exist in the 1st century. His apostolic role and martyrdom were sufficient for veneration in the early Church. Anecdotal spiritual favors may have been attributed, but records are lacking.[1] His Gospel’s enduring impact was seen as a testament to his sanctity.
The absence of a beatification miracle reflects the early Church’s focus on apostolic witness. Devotion to Matthew grew through his scriptural contributions.[3]
Miracle for canonization
No specific miracle is recorded for Saint Matthew’s canonization, as 1st-century sainthood relied on apostolic status and martyrdom. His recognition stemmed from his role as an apostle and Gospel author.[5] Veneration at his relics in Salerno suggests belief in his intercessory power, but no particular event is documented.
Matthew’s legacy was reinforced by his Gospel’s theological influence. The lack of miracle accounts does not diminish his sainthood, as his apostolic mission sufficed.[2]
Other notable miracles
- No additional miracles are specifically attributed to Saint Matthew in historical records. His patronage of accountants and tax collectors suggests posthumous intercession, but specific events are undocumented.[4]
Patronage
Saint Matthew is the patron saint of accountants, bankers, tax collectors, and Salerno, Italy, reflecting his former profession and relic veneration. His patronage extends to those seeking repentance and financial stewardship.[4][7]
Feast day
Saint Matthew’s feast day is celebrated on 21 September in the Catholic Church and 16 November in the Orthodox Church, commemorating his martyrdom c. 74 AD.[2]
Veneration
Saint Matthew is venerated through prayers, novenas, and pilgrimages to Salerno Cathedral, where his relics are enshrined.[3] His feast day, 21 September, features Masses in the Catholic Church, while the Orthodox Church honors him on 16 November. Other traditions, like Anglicanism and Lutheranism, also commemorate him.[6]
He is depicted in religious art with a Gospel book, an angel (his evangelist symbol), or a purse, reflecting his apostolic and tax collector roles. His relics draw pilgrims to the Diocese of Salerno-Campagna-Acerno, and his Gospel inspires parishes like Saint Matthew’s in Washington, D.C.[8]
Books
Written about the saint
- Butler’s Lives of the Saints, Vol. I – Includes a biography of Saint Matthew, detailing his apostolic life.
- The Apostles and Their Times by Mike Aquilina – A study of Matthew and other apostles.[9]
Written by the saint
- *Gospel of Matthew*, c. 70–85 AD, a foundational text of the New Testament.[1]
External links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 "Matthew the Apostle". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_the_Apostle. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 "Saint Matthew". FranciscanMedia.org. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-matthew. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 "St. Matthew". NewAdvent.org. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10056a.htm. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 "St. Matthew". Catholic.org. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=89. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Saint Matthew the Evangelist". CatholicSaints.info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-matthew-the-evangelist/. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Saint of the Day – 21 September – Saint Matthew". Anastpaul.com. https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/21/saint-of-the-day-21-september-saint-matthew-apostle-and-evangelist/. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
- ↑ "St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist". CatholicNewsAgency.com. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-matthew-apostle-and-evangelist-591. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
- ↑ "St. Matthew’s Cathedral". Stmatthewscathedral.org. https://stmatthewscathedral.org/. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
- ↑ "The Apostles and Their Times". Amazon.com. https://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Their-Times-Archaeology/dp/1622826752. Retrieved 2025-06-14.