Saint of the Day: St. Jason of Tarsus

(First Century)

His life

+ Jason (who is also known as “Nason”) hosted Saint Paul in his home during Paul’s visit to Thessalonica (see Acts 17:5-9). Because of his hospitality, Jason was arrested and brought before the authorities for his support of Paul’s mission.

+ He is later mentioned among Paul’s collaborators in the letter to the Romans (see 16:21).

+ Later legends relate that Jason served as bishop of Tarsus and proclaimed the Gospel on the Greek island of Corfu.

+ Imprisoned for preaching the faith, he is said to have died as a martyr.

+ The legend of Saint Jason has long been associated with the story of the Martyrs of Corfu. These seven martyrs are said to have been thieves who were imprisoned with Saint Jason, who converted them by his preaching. The memory of the Martyrs of Corfu is celebrated on April 29.

For prayer and reflection

“Now to him who can strengthen you, according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ… now manifested through the prophetic writings and, according to the command of the eternal God, made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith, to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen.”—Romans 16:25-27

Spiritual Bonus

On July 12 the Church also remembers Saint Louis Martin (d. 1894) and Saint Marie-Azélie (Zélie) Martin (d. 1877), the parents of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Saints Louis and Zélie were canonized in 2015.

Prayer

O God, who through the Bishop blessed Jason brought peoples without faith from darkness to the light of truth, grant us, through his intercession, that we may stand firm in faith and remain constant in the hope of the Gospel he preached. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal: Common of Pastors—For Missionaries)

Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.