Saint Bartholomew: Strong in Spirit

As my daughter was getting ready for the third week of her new Catholic school, we learned about the martyr & apostle Bartholomew.

Bartholomew, one of the Twelve Apostles, is traditionally identified with Nathanael.  Bartholomew was brought to Jesus by Philip, who told him, “Come and see.” When Nathanael encountered Jesus, he quickly came to recognize Him as the Son of God, proclaiming, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God.” Tradition tells us that Bartholomew later preached the Gospel and was martyred for his faith, suffering even the loss of his skin rather than denying Christ.

His life reminds us that true strength is not found in our outward appearance, comfort, or reputation. Scripture tells us, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh is of no avail” (John 6:63). Even when life strips away what is visible and temporary, our spirit can remain strong in Christ Jesus. Saint Bartholomew teaches us to be faithful even when it hurts, because what is on the outside will eventually fade, but the soul and spirit that belong to God will prevail.

This martyr of the faith is typically portrayed holding a tanner’s knife & human skin. He is the patron saint of nervous diseases, twitching, butchers, cobblers, leather workers, tanners, trappers, bookbinders, etc. He was believed to have been born in Galilee & martyred for the faith in Armenia. His relics are located at Saint Bartholomew-on-the-Tiber Church, in Rome, Italy, and in the cathedral in Canterbury, England.

Saint Bartholomew, Pray for us.