S. Stephen is honoured in the New Testament as the first Christian martyr. A deacon in the early Christian Church, he gave his life to God, caring for widows and the poor. God worked many miracles through S. Stephen and he spoke with such grace that many of his hearers were converted. However those who despised the Church were furious to see his success and, convincing others to lie about him, had false charges issued against him. S. Stephen faced the ‘Kangaroo Court’ without fear, even scolding his enemies for not having faith in Jesus. At that, they rose up and hurled abuse at him. But Stephen looked up to Heaven and said that he saw the heavens opening and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
His hearers plugged their ears and refused to listen to another word. They dragged S. Stephen outside the city and stoned him to death. The saint prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” Then he fell to his knees and begged God not to punish his enemies for killing him. After such an expression of love, the holy martyr went to his heavenly reward. His feast day is today, December 26th.
S. Stephen has a very special place at S. Barnabas’ Church, for he is our co-patron. The reason for this being that the original chapel (pictured above), which the present church replaced, was dedicated to S. Stephen. And to this day our charming chapel, where most low masses are offered, retains the dedication of S. Stephen. The reredos in S. Stephen’s chapel (pictured below)was designed by Martin Travers. It portrays S. Stephen standing proudly alongside 3 other great martyrs of the church. Each is seen holding the instrument of their death. S. Stephen clutches the rocks which were hurled at him in hatred, S. Lawrence the griddle on which he was roasted, S. Thomas of Canterbury holds the sword which famously removed his head on the steps of Canterbury Cathedral and S. Clement clutches the anchor to which they tied him before hurling him into the Black Sea. At 9am Mass will be offered for all martrys of the church and for all who suffer for the faith.
