Use the links below to jump to different sections of our page dedicated to St. Luke.
Overview
- Birth: 1-16 AD
- Location: Antioch (modern-day Turkey)
- Death: 84-100 AD
- Beatification: N/A (Before the Congregation for the Causes of Saints)
- Canonized: N/A (Before the Congregation for the Causes of Saints)
- Feast Day: October 18
- Patron Saint of: physicians, surgeons, and artists
Life and Legacy
The Evangelist St. Luke was a disciple and traveling companion of the Apostle St. Paul. St. Paul refers to St. Luke in his Letter to the Colossians as “the beloved physician” (Col. 4:14).
St. Luke is the patron saint of physicians, surgeons, and artists, and is represented symbolically by a winged ox, a Jewish symbol of sacrifice. The wings represent the call to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world.
St. Luke is also known for painting portraits of the Blessed Virgin.
Gospel of Luke
Luke became the author of both the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, gathering eye-witness accounts to write these texts. He contributed to the New Testament with rich vocabulary, intimate accounts of Mary’s life, and descriptions of the early Church.
Being a Gentile and not a Jew, Luke emphasized in his Gospel the universality of salvation won by Christ. He is the only Gentile who has written books in the Bible.
The Gospel of Luke is highly regarded as the most poetic of all. He emphasized the dignity of women, marginalized people, and the poor by writing about their interactions with Jesus.
St. Luke Prayers
Saint Luke is particularly known for his writing of the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles, which are books widely known for their emphasis on women, marginalized groups, and the poor. For faith in the power of evangelization, here is a prayer you can say:
“Almighty God, you inspired Your servant St. Luke the Evangelist and Physician to set forth in the gospel the love and the healing power of your Son. In faithfully detailing the humanity of Jesus, he also showed the divinity of Jesus and His genuine compassion for all human beings.
May St. Luke intercede for us that we may deepen our understanding of the gospel and grow in compassion of Jesus. May his intercession enable our new parish to follow Your way and plan for us.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.”
(Source)
St. Luke the Evangelist, pray for us!
Patronage
- St. Luke the Evangelist Parish – Westborough, Mass.
- St. Luke Catholic Church – Temple, Texas
- St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School – Ankeny, Iowa
- St. Luke University – Pomona, Calif.
- St. Luke’s Eye – Fla.
- St. Luke’s – Kansas City, Mo.