The feast day of St. Luke the Evangelist is celebrated on October 18. He is the patron saint of physicians and surgeons.
St. Luke was born in Antioch, Syria. He did not know Jesus. However, he converted from paganism and became a companion of St. Paul. He accompanied him on his missions and into prison two different times.
St. Luke is the author of the third Gospel. His gospel focuses on the merciful heart of Jesus. We also learn about the childhood of Jesus in his Gospel. Three canticles (hymns) were preserved by St. Luke: The Benedictus, the Magnificat and the Nune Dimittis (Canticle of Simeon).
Legend tells us that St. Luke was also an artist and painted the portrait of the Blessed Virgin.
St. Luke became the patron saint of physicians because he was a physician.
St. Luke died in Achaia (Greece) at the age of 84. It is unknown if he was a martyr.
Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance. Prayer suppresses anger. Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy. Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit and raises man to heaven.
Quote of St. Ephrem; Feast day June 9
October is the Month of the Most Holy Rosary