Saint Bartholomew: Difference between revisions

|SaintBirthCoordinates={{coord|32|42|N|35|18|E|display=inline}}

|SaintDeathCoordinates={{coord|40|12|N|44|30|E|display=inline}}

|NotableCoordinates1={{coord|31|46|N|35|13|E|display=inline}}

'''Saint Bartholomew''' (died c. 69) was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and a [[Saints|Christian saint]], venerated for his missionary work and martyrdom. Born in the 1st century in [[Galilee]], [[Roman Empire]], he is traditionally identified as Nathanael, introduced to Jesus by Philip in the Gospel of John. Bartholomew preached the Gospel in regions including [[Jerusalem]], India, and Armenia, where he met his martyrdom by being flayed alive. His steadfast faith and evangelistic zeal made him a revered figure in the early [[Diocese|Christian Church]].

As an apostle, Bartholomew witnessed Christ’s ministry and resurrection, contributing to the spread of Christianity beyond Judea. His missionary journeys, documented in apocryphal texts, highlight his role in converting communities in distant lands. Recognized as a saint by pre-congregation canonization, his feast day on August 24 in the [[Roman Rite]] is celebrated with devotion, particularly in Armenia, where he is a patron. His relics, housed in the Basilica of San Bartolomeo all’Isola in [[Rome]], draw pilgrims seeking his intercession.

Bartholomew was born in the 1st century in [[Galilee]], [[Roman Empire]], likely in a village such as Cana or Bethsaida. Little is known of his family, though tradition suggests he was of modest means, possibly from a fishing community under the [[Diocese|Jewish religious authorities]] of the time. [[Galilee]], a region under Roman rule, was a hub of Jewish life and early Christian activity.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://catholicsaints.info/saint-bartholomew-the-apostle/|title=Saint Bartholomew|publisher=CatholicSaints.Info|access-date=May 19, 2025}}</ref>

Bartholomew’s early life in [[Galilee]] involved immersion in Jewish religious practices, likely attending a local [[Synagogue|seminary]] for scriptural study. Tradition holds he was a fisherman, a common trade in the region, which aligned him with apostles like Peter and Andrew. His encounter with Jesus, facilitated by Philip, marked a turning point, as he recognized Jesus as the Messiah after a divine revelation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=390|title=St. Bartholomew|publisher=Catholic.org|access-date=May 19, 2025}}</ref>

Living under Roman occupation, Bartholomew navigated tensions between Jewish zealots and Roman authorities. His early commitment to Christ’s teachings prepared him for apostolic duties, including preaching in [[Jerusalem]] and beyond. His faith was tested early, strengthening his resolve.

Bartholomew’s primary occupation was likely fishing, a trade central to [[Galilee]]’s economy. As a fisherman, he worked on the Sea of Galilee, supporting his community under the oversight of local [[Parish|religious leaders]]. His skills in navigation and labor equipped him for the rigors of missionary travel.

After meeting Jesus, Bartholomew abandoned his trade to follow Christ, dedicating himself to spreading the Gospel. His apostolic work involved teaching and baptizing, often in hostile regions, reflecting the [[Roman Rite]]’s call to evangelize. His former occupation informed his humility and resilience.

Bartholomew’s vocation as an apostle began with his call by Jesus, solidifying his role in the early [[Diocese|Church]]. He participated in Christ’s ministry, witnessing miracles and the resurrection, and received the Great Commission to preach to all nations. His missionary journeys took him to India and Armenia, where he established Christian communities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/august-24-saint-bartholomew-apostle/|title=Saint Bartholomew|publisher=MyCatholic.Life|access-date=May 19, 2025}}</ref>

His apostolic work faced opposition from pagan priests, yet he persisted, guided by the [[Holy See|Church’s nascent structure]]. Bartholomew’s preaching emphasized Christ’s divinity, earning converts and enmity. His vocation culminated in martyrdom, affirming his sanctity.

Bartholomew met his end by martyrdom, flayed alive in Albanopolis, Armenia, around 69. Tradition holds he was tortured for converting the local king’s brother, inciting pagan priests’ wrath. His brutal death, involving skinning and crucifixion, occurred under the region’s [[Diocese|pagan authorities]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://catholicsaints.info/saint-bartholomew-the-apostle/|title=Saint Bartholomew|publisher=CatholicSaints.Info|access-date=May 19, 2025}}</ref>

His martyrdom inspired immediate veneration, with miracles reported at his tomb. His relics were later transferred to [[Rome]], becoming a focal point for devotion. Bartholomew’s sacrifice solidified his legacy as a patron of Armenia and leatherworkers.

{{Saint parish map|Where=Bartholomew|zoom=7|Saint=Bartholomew}}

The process to recognize Bartholomew as a Servant of God was not formalized, as his sanctity was acknowledged by the early [[Diocese|Church]] before modern canonization processes. His apostolic role and martyrdom were attested by tradition and apocryphal texts.

Bartholomew was not declared Venerable, as his canonization predated this stage. His heroic virtue was affirmed by his apostolic mission and martyrdom, recognized by early Christian communities.

Bartholomew did not undergo formal beatification, as his sainthood was established pre-Congregation. His martyrdom and miracles, such as healing a possessed man in India, sufficed for veneration.

Canonized by pre-congregation recognition, Bartholomew’s sainthood was affirmed by the early [[Diocese|Church]] based on his apostolic work and martyrdom. His universal veneration was established by the [[Roman Rite]], with his feast day set for August 24.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=390|title=St. Bartholomew|publisher=Catholic.org|access-date=May 19, 2025}}</ref>

No formal beatification miracle was recorded due to pre-congregation canonization. However, tradition credits Bartholomew with healing a possessed man in India during his mission. The man, afflicted by demonic oppression, was freed after Bartholomew’s prayers, converting many witnesses.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/august-24-saint-bartholomew-apostle/|title=Saint Bartholomew|publisher=MyCatholic.Life|access-date=May 19, 2025}}</ref>

This miracle, documented in apocryphal texts, underscored Bartholomew’s spiritual authority. The event strengthened Christian communities in India, affirming his intercessory power.

The miracle’s impact spread Bartholomew’s veneration to [[Rome]] and beyond, reinforcing his sainthood. His tomb became a pilgrimage site, drawing devotees.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://catholicsaints.info/saint-bartholomew-the-apostle/|title=Saint Bartholomew|publisher=CatholicSaints.Info|access-date=May 19, 2025}}</ref>

Bartholomew is the patron saint of tanners, leatherworkers, butchers, and Armenia.

Bartholomew is venerated through prayers, pilgrimages to his relics in the Basilica of San Bartolomeo all’Isola, [[Rome]], and festivals in Armenia. His relics, including an arm, are revered. He is depicted in art with a flayed skin and knife, notably in Michelangelo’s Last Judgment. His life influences Armenian Christian traditions and leatherworkers’ guilds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://catholicsaints.info/saint-bartholomew-the-apostle/|title=Saint Bartholomew|publisher=CatholicSaints.Info|access-date=May 19, 2025}}</ref>

* No known writings attributed to Bartholomew.