Grant, O Lord, that in all our sufferings here upon earth, for the testimony of thy truth, we may steadfastly look up to heaven, and by faith behold the glory that shall be revealed; and, being filled with the Holy Ghost, may learn to love and bless our persecutors by the example of thy first martyr, Saint Stephen, who prayed for his murderers to thee, O blessed Jesus, who standest at the right hand of God to succour all those that suffer for thee, our only mediator and advocate. Amen.
St. Stephen, Proto-Martyr (36)
— Memento Mori (@TempusFugit4016) December 26, 2024
He was one of the seven deacons chosen by the Apostles to execute works of charity. He upbraided the chief priests and accused them of putting Christ to death just as their fathers had killed the prophets. They stoned him without further delay. pic.twitter.com/vP4yIVFC9W