St.Luke painting the Virgin—Raffael

Saint Luke, physician and companion of St. Paul, authored the Gospel bearing his name and the Acts of the Apostles. Emphasizing mercy, prayer, and care for the poor, he united professional skill with faithful witness. His life calls us to use our talents in loving service to Christ.

St. Luke, the beloved physician, was born in the first century and is known as the author of the third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. A companion of St. Paul, Luke traveled with him on missionary journeys and carefully recorded the spread of the early Church. His Gospel emphasizes God’s mercy, the dignity of the poor and outcast, and the central role of prayer. Luke was also a physician, bringing healing and care to others, and tradition holds that he was an artist who painted images of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He died a martyr, faithful to the end, leaving the Church with a rich testimony of Christ’s life and the growth of the first Christian communities. Honored as the patron saint of physicians, artists, and writers, St. Luke inspires us to combine professional skill with faith and compassion.

PRAYER

St. Luke, faithful physician and evangelist, intercede for us that we may use our gifts to glorify God, show mercy to the poor and suffering, and bear witness to Christ in all we do. Pray that we may be healed in body and soul and strengthened in faith. Amen.