The feast day of St. Benjamin is celebrated on March 31.
St. Benjamin was a deacon serving in Persia. There had been twelve years of peace in Persia when Abdas, a Christian bishop, burned the Temple of Fire which was a great sanctuary. King Isdegerd threatened to destroy all Christian churches unless it was rebuilt. When Abdas refused to rebuild the sanctuary the King proceeded to carry out his threat.
It was during this time that St. Benjamin was arrested. He was imprisoned for one year for his faith. At the end of the year he was released on the condition that he could not speak about religion.
St. Benjamin declared that it was his duty to preach about Christ and refused to be silent. He was arrested again and tortured. Reeds were thrust between his nails and then withdrawn. A knotted stake was inserted into his bowels to rend and tear him.
St. Benjamin died a martyr in 424. St. Benjamin is the patron of Evangelists.
The cross means there is no shipwreck without hope; there is no dark without dawn; nor storm without haven.
Quote of St. John Paul II; Feast day October 22
March is the Month of St. Joseph