St. Stephen Martyr
Dec 26, 2021
Patron Saint of Stonemasons
Stephen was a Jew, possibly of the Hellenist Dispersion who, therefore, spoke Greek. His election and that of six other men as deacons is related in the Acts of the Apostles:
“And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost.”
Stephen spoke with such wisdom and fire that his listeners could not resist his words. Thus a plot was begun in certain synagogues against him. At first, they tried to debate with the young deacon but could not withstand his inspired logic. Wanting to silence him by any means, they then conspired to put him to death.