The 25 April Every year Italy celebrates the Anniversary of the Liberation, also known as Liberation Day. However, on this date, the Church celebrates a very important saint: Saint Mark the Evangelistdisciple of the apostle Peter and Paul, believed the author of one of the four Gospels. San Marco is invoked as protector of notaries, scribes, glassmakers, glass painters and opticians. His symbol is that of Lionsince among the four evangelists he is the one who narrated the greatest number of events relating to the Resurrection of Christ and the lion, as a symbol of strength, would be linked precisely to this dogma.
The Saint of the day, the life of Saint Mark the Evangelist: always traveling to bring the message of Christ
The New Testament contains various information relating to the life of Saint Mark the Evangelist and it was therefore possible to roughly reconstruct its vicissitudes. He was born in Palestine around the year 20 and there is not much information about the first years of his life, except that he was the cousin of Barnabas.
According to the Acts of the Apostles, his mother’s name was Mary and she is the widow who hosted Jesus and the Apostles during last dinner. Mark is the only one among the Evangelists to narrate the escape of a boy from the garden of olive trees and this has led to the assumption over time that he was indeed that young man. During his adulthood, he first moved into Egyptand then to Rome following Peterso much so that in the capital there is a basilica built in the place where the Saint stayed.
Subsequently, Saint Mark the Evangelist left with Paul and his cousin towards Antiochsa, but the two separated and, years later, we find him at Pietro a’s side Cyprus. After the latter’s death, there is no longer any certain information about Marco. According to tradition he continued his work of evangelization in Egypt, founding the Church of Alexandria.
The mystery of death and stolen relics: the arrival in Venice
There is also no precise information regarding his death: for Eusebius died in Alexandria, murdered (therefore martyr) and dragged through the streets of the city. The remains of Saint Mark were initially kept in Alexandria in Egypt, but in828 they were stolen and taken to Venice, where the famous Basilica dedicated to him was built a few years later. To date, some of the relics have been transported from the Basilica of San Marco in Venice to the church of San Marco in the City to Cortona and to the cathedral of San Marco in Cairo.
The Saint of the day: patronages and celebrations around the world
The cult of Saint Mark the Evangelist it is widespread throughout the world and is the patron saint of numerous Italian municipalities, one of which is certainly one of the most famous Venicethe city that he in fact chose the winged lion as its symbol.
Venice is the capital of the Veneto region, with more than 250 thousand inhabitants, the second largest municipality in the region in terms of surface area and includes both island and mainland territories. There Feast of San Marco it is an anniversary that has accompanied the history of this city for years, a centuries-old tradition full of numerous events, with a full program of musical and theatrical shows, food stands and moments of pure entertainment. Furthermore, during this day, a very particular tradition is passed down: the woman must be loved honored with a red rose budsymbol of love.
The other Saints of the day
The 25 Aprilbeyond Saint Mark the Evangelistthe Church also venerates: Santa Franca of Piacenza, Abbess; Saint Peter of Betancur, Founder in Guatemala; Saint Anianus, Bishop of Alexandria in Egypt; Blessed Boniface of Valperga, Bishop; Saint Clarentius of Vienne, Bishop; Saint Erminio of Lobbes, Bishop and Abbot; Saint Febadius of Agen, Bishop; Blessed Giovanni Piamarta, Priest and founder; Saint Pasicrates and Valentius, Martyrs; Blessed Robert Anderton and William Marsden, Martyrs.
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