APRIL 25 SAN MARCO EVANGELISTA

Hebrew of origin, was probably born outside Palestine, from a wealthy family. Saint Peter, who calls him "my son", certainly had him with him on missionary journeys to the East and to Rome, where he would write the Gospel. In addition to his familiarity with Saint Peter, Mark can boast a long life community with the apostle Paul, whom he met in 44, when Paul and Barnabas brought the collection of the community of Antioch to Jerusalem. On his return, Barnabas brought with him the young nephew Marco, who later found himself at the side of Saint Paul in Rome. In 66 St. Paul gives us the last information on Marco, writing from the Roman prison to Timoteo: «Take Marco with you. I may well need your services. " The evangelist probably died in 68, of natural death, according to one report, or according to another as a martyr, in Alexandria, Egypt. The Acts of Mark (24th century) report that on 828 April he was dragged by the pagans through the streets of Alexandria tied with ropes around his neck. Thrown into prison, the following day he suffered the same excruciating torment and succumbed. His body, set on fire, was removed from destruction by the faithful. According to a legend, two Venetian merchants brought the body in XNUMX to the city of Venice. (Avvenire)

PRAYER TO SAN MARCO EVANGELISTA

O Glorious St Mark that you were always in a very special honor in the church, not only for the peoples you sanctified, for the gospel you wrote, for the virtues you practice, and for the martyrdom you sustain, but also for the special care who showed God for your body portentously preserved both from the flames to which the idolaters intended it on the day of your death, and from the desecration of the Saracens who became masters of your sepulcher in Alexandria, let us imitate all your virtues.