Saint Who?
Saints Who Established Schools
Saint Mark the Evangelist
Martyr († c. 68)Feast: April 25
According to tradition, Mark the Evangelist is the same as the John who is called Mark (Acts 12:12) mentioned throughout the book of Acts and in some of Paul’s letters. This Mark was a cousin of Saint Barnabas and therefore, like Barnabas, a member of the Levite tribe. As such he received a good education, for knowing how to read and write was an essential part of the Levitical duty to explain the Law to the people.
At first a servant of the Old Covenant, he became a servant of the New. With his abilities, Mark was an assistant first for Saint Paul, accompanying him on his first missionary journey. Later, he become a disciple of Saint Peter, who refers to him as my son (1 Pt 5:13). The Gospel that bears his name is sometimes described as the Gospel of Peter, for Mark wrote down what he heard Peter preach. It seems Mark was sent by Peter to Egypt and appointed the bishop of Alexandria, a major metropolis of the ancient world.
In Egypt, Mark is said to have made many converts, especially among the Jewish population. Saint Jerome credits him with beginning the famous Alexandrian school of theology, the source of important teachings on biblical exegesis. He died in Alexandria, but his relics were taken to Venice during the 9th century.
Merciful Father, through the intercession of Saint Mark, bless and protect all who study the Scriptures.
