A Day of Remembrance: Saints Petronela, Imelda Lambertini, and Andreas Fournet

tuesday, May 13, 2025, marks an ordinary day in the Easter season, specifically the Fourth Week of Easter. The Catholic Church commemorates Santa Petronela, a martyr and virgin; Santa Imelda Lambertini, also a virgin; and Saint Andreas Fournet, a priest. White liturgical colors are observed on this day.

The Acts of the Apostles: Spreading the Word Beyond Jerusalem

The first reading for today comes from the Book of Acts, chapter 11, verses 19-26. This passage recounts the dispersion of believers following the persecution that arose after the stoning of Stephen. Driven from Jerusalem, these early Christians carried the Gospel to Phoenicia, cyprus, and Antioch, initially preaching only to their fellow jews.

Though, some believers from Cyprus and Cyrene, upon arriving in Antioch, began to speak to the greeks as well, proclaiming Jesus as Lord. The text emphasizes the power of divine intervention:

The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
Acts 11:21 (NIV)

This surge in conversions reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, prompting them to send Barnabas to Antioch. Upon witnessing the grace of God at work, Barnabas rejoiced and encouraged the new believers to remain faithful.

Barnabas and Saul: A Year of Teaching in antioch

The narrative highlights Barnabas’s character, describing him as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. His ministry led to even more people turning to the Lord. Barnabas then journeyed to Tarsus to seek out Saul (later known as paul), and together they returned to Antioch.

For an entire year, Barnabas and Saul ministered alongside the congregation in Antioch, teaching a multitude of people. It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.

the meaning of this passage lies in the expansion of the early church beyond its Jewish roots. Antioch became a pivotal center for spreading the Gospel to Gentiles, marking a turning point in Christian history. Today, global Christianity reflects this early expansion, with approximately 2.4 billion Christians worldwide, according to the Pew Research Center.

The Word of God

This passage from Acts serves as a reminder of the power of faith, the importance of community, and the transformative impact of spreading the Gospel to all nations.