St Stephen of Mar Saba

Today we will remember the life that was lived by St. Stephen.

St. Stephen of Mar Saba was related to St. John Damascene, who was his uncle and he introduced St. Stephen to monastic life beginning at the age of 10. When St. Stephen had reached the age of 24, St. Stephen was able to serve the community in a variety of ways, including as a guest master. After St. Stephen had done this for some time he asked for permission to live a hermit’s life. The answer from the abbot was yes and no due to the fact that St. Stephen could follow his preferred lifestyle during the week, but on weekends he was to offer his skills as a counselor. St. Stephen had decided to place a note on the door of his cell which said: “Forgive me, Fathers, in the name of the Lord, but please do not disturb me except on Saturdays and Sundays.”

Despite St. Stephen's deep calling to prayer and quiet, St. Stephen was still able to display great skills with people and he was a valued spiritual guide.

St. Stephen’s biographer wrote on St. Stephen: “Whatever help, spiritual or material, he was asked to give, he gave. He received and honored all with the same kindness. He possessed nothing and lacked nothing. In total poverty he possessed all things.”

St. Stephen died during the year 794. St. Stephen’s feast day is celebrated on November 10.

Prayer to St. Stephen

St. Stephen help us to guide more people to Christ so that we may strengthen our relationship with Him. St. Stephen help us to spend more time in prayer and help us to surrender ourselves to Christ.

Amen

St. Stephen pray for us

St. Joseph pray for us

May we continue to strengthen our journey to sainthood and keep others in our prayers.

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Works cited:

Information (read from, not taken):

Franciscan media. “St Stephen of Mar Saba. ”Saint Stephen of Mar Saba | Franciscan Media. Accessed July 21, 2021.

Images:

St Stephen of Mar Saba. July 21, 2021. St Stephen of Mar Saba - Google Search.