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Feast Day – April 25
Patron Saint of Venice, Notaries and Barristers
Saint Mark the Evangelist, also known as John Mark, is traditionally recognized as the author of the second Gospel and a key figure in the early Church. Born in the 1st century, he was the son of Mary of Jerusalem, whose home served as a gathering place for the apostles. He was also a cousin of Saint Barnabas.
Mark accompanied Saint Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey but later returned to Jerusalem, causing tension with Paul. Despite this, their relationship was eventually restored, and Mark became a trusted companion during Paul’s later ministry.
Closely associated with Saint Peter, Mark is described as his interpreter, recording Peter’s teachings in what became the Gospel of Mark, likely written between 60–70 AD. Though not one of the Twelve Apostles, his Gospel is considered one of the earliest accounts of Christ’s life.
Mark later traveled to Alexandria, where he founded the Church and became its first bishop, playing a foundational role in African Christianity. His mission provoked opposition, and he was eventually martyred around April 25, 68 AD, after being dragged through the streets.
In 828, his relics were transferred to Venice, where he became the city’s patron saint. He is also the patron of notaries and barristers.
Saint Mark is symbolized by a winged lion, representing courage and the proclamation of the Gospel. He is often depicted holding or writing his Gospel.
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