06/08/2026
Not one of the original twelve apostles, Barnabas earned the title through the accounts in the Acts of the Apostles, as did St. Paul.
Born Joseph, his fellow apostles called him Barnabas, meaning Son of Encouragement. He traveled with Paul during many of his journeys in the Greek-Christian lands. He is also considered by many to be the author of the Letter to the Hebrews and the founder of the church in Antioch.
Paul and Barnabas were very successful in their preaching to the Gentiles, as many wanted to offer sacrifices to them. However, when they were rebuked, they told the Gentiles to turn from their idols to the Living God.
Barnabas and Paul had some differences, especially with deciding who to take with them on a journey to Jerusalem, where they needed to clear up a recurring issue with circumcision. John Mark, the author of the Gospel, had deserted them once before, but Barnabas insisted he come along. Paul insisted that he was not fit to go, and their disagreement was so intense that they split for a while; however, all three eventually reconciled.
St. Barnabas, pray for us!
Feast Day: June 11th
Patron saint of second chances and Cyprus
His Relic can be found in Fr. Brunner's Collection, number 318
https://www.mariasteinshrine.org/
