St. Stephen

Patron Saint of Deacons and Altar Servers

St. Stephen was the first Christian martyr, stoned to death two years after the Crucifixion of Jesus. St. Stephen was first mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as one of the Seven Deacons appointed by the Apostles to serve the poor throughout the early Church. Just like the Lord, he died forgiving his executioners. He was stoned for being Christian and for his public preaching of Christianity even though he knew the great risk of practicing his faith. “And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, Lord, do not hold this sin against them. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” -Acts 7:60

Pilgrimage Site in the United States

• Basilica of St. Stephen — New Orleans, LA