October 18, Feast Day of Saint Luke the Evangelist
The evangelist Saint Luke was a physician, a pagan of Greek origin (certainly born in 15 in Antioch), whom Saint Paul converted. St. Paul described him as a great physician, humble and gentle of heart, and quick of mind; it is therefore not surprising that, as early as the Middle Ages, St. Luke was chosen by physicians—and more broadly by healthcare professionals—to be their patron saint. Furthermore, since the 13th century, medical schools have begun their academic year on October 18, the feast day of Saint Luke.
After his conversion, he followed in St. Paul’s footsteps and accompanied him everywhere for eighteen years, traveling the world—particularly in Asia Minor— to proclaim the Good News and the Word of God (they were even shipwrecked together in Malta). He even witnessed the martyrdom of Saint Paul in 67 in Rome, when Paul was crucified. After this tragedy, Saint Luke continued his apostolic mission in Italy, Gaul, Dalmatia, and Macedonia. He died a martyr for the Lord at the age of 84 in Boeotia (modern-day Greece). It is said that after his death, a miraculous liquid flowed from his tomb, healing the eye ailments of those who prayed with faith and fervor. The great physician thus continued to heal even after he had given his soul to God.
Saint Luke is the author of the third of the four Gospels, called the and is represented by a bull, because his Gospel begins with the birth of Saint John the Baptist, whose father was a priest at the temple, the place where bulls were sacrificed (Saint Matthew is represented by an angel, Saint John by an eagle, and Saint Mark by a lion). He is also the author of the Acts of the Apostles, which follows immediately after the Gospel of Saint John in the Bible. The Gospel of Saint Luke is remarkably precise in its descriptions of illnesses and injuries. He describes them accurately and knows their names. He is the only one of the four evangelists to pay such close attention to them and to take such a scientific approach to the Savior’s miracles. Furthermore, he also gives women a prominent place. Saint Luke was nicknamed “the scribe of Christ’s mercy.” Saint Luke wrote his Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles after the death of his friend Saint Paul. Moreover, his Gospel clearly reflects the deep admiration and veneration he held for the Virgin Mary, whom he had known well.
Let us pray with Saint Luke, that he may help us to be, in the image of Jesus Christ, merciful and attentive to the least among us. Let us also pray for doctors, nurses, and nursing assistants who devote their time to others.
A Beautiful Prayer to Saint Luke the Evangelist
“O Saint Luke, blessed evangelist and apostle of divine mercy, we turn to you in our search for guidance, healing, and inspiration. You who were blessed with the gift of wisdom and the gift of writing, we pray that you grant us your grace so that we may follow the light of faith with confidence. Saint Luke, you who lovingly wrote the Gospel that reveals to us the life, teachings, and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, help us to understand and meditate on these precious words. Allow us to engrave them in our hearts and put them into practice in our daily lives. You who shared Christ’s love and compassion for the sick and the suffering, be our intercessor before God for the sick, doctors, and all those who work to alleviate suffering. Inspire us to follow your example of care and concern for our neighbors, especially in these times of illness and pandemic. Saint Luke, patron of artists, we pray that you guide our creativity, instill in us the gift of artistic expression, and help us convey beauty and truth through our works. May our artistic talents be used to glorify God and uplift the human soul. You who traveled with the Apostle Paul to spread the Good News, intercede on our behalf so that our physical and spiritual journeys may be safe and fruitful. Accompany us on our journeys, light our path, and protect us from the obstacles that may stand in our way. Saint Luke, a model of faith, courage, and devotion, we thank you for your witness to divine grace. Help us to grow in faith, to persevere in hope, and to show God’s love to all whom we meet. We pray, Saint Luke, that you intercede for us before God our Father, Jesus Christ our Savior, and the Holy Spirit our Comforter. Amen.
Saint Luke, pray for us, watch over us, and guide us on the path of faith, healing, inspiration, and spiritual light. Amen.”
Continue your prayer with Hozana through Saint Luke
Through this wonderful retreat, .
Together with Saint Luke, the patron saint of doctors, .
