The saint’s day commemorates St. Epaphras, one of St. Paul’s first collaborators and a key figure in the expansion of Christianity during the early years of the Church. His evangelizing work was fundamental for the consolidation of several Christian communities in Asia Minor.
Each day, the liturgical calendar offers the opportunity to learn about the history of men and women who dedicated their lives to transmitting the Christian message. July 19 is dedicated to St. Epaphras, whose commitment to the faith and his closeness to the first apostles make him a reference of the origins of Christianity.
SAINT EPAPHRAS
St. Epaphras was a disciple of St. Paul, mentioned in several of his New Testament letters. Tradition identifies him as the founder of the Christian communities of Colossae, Laodicea and Hierapolis, playing a decisive role in the spread of the Gospel in those regions.
The Pauline letters describe him as a faithful and dedicated collaborator, always concerned about the spiritual growth of believers. St. Paul went so far as to praise his constant dedication to prayer and his effort to strengthen the faith of the first Christian communities.
For a time he shared captivity with St. Paul, demonstrating his firm commitment to the evangelizing mission even in times of difficulty. The Church celebrates his memory every July 19, remembering him as an example of fidelity, service and dedication to the proclamation of the Gospel.
WHY ARE SAINTS CELEBRATED?
The Christian saint’s day has its origin in the tradition of remembering the saints and blesseds recognized by the Church every day. These commemorations value the life and testimony of people who stood out for their faith and for the example they left throughout their lives.
With the passage of time, the celebration of saints was also linked to the name day, so that many people celebrate their saint on the day on which the Church remembers the saint from whom they received their name. This custom is still deeply rooted in many countries with a Christian tradition.
