Luke the Evangelist
Physician and evangelist whose Gospel emphasized Christ's compassion for the marginalized.
Patronage
Physicians, artists, surgeons, painters, notaries, butchers, glass workers
Virtues & Traits
Biography
Luke was a physician and companion of Saint Paul, one of the four evangelists who composed a Gospel. His Gospel, written primarily for Gentile converts, emphasizes Jesus's compassion for the poor, outcasts, and women. Luke also authored the Acts of the Apostles, providing the most detailed early history of the Church after Pentecost. Though he himself was not an apostle, Luke's meticulous historical approach and medical perspective informed his theological writings. Tradition holds that Luke accompanied Paul on missionary journeys and remained with him during imprisonment. Some traditions suggest he was also a painter, making him patron of artists. Luke's Gospel uniquely includes parables like the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. He died a martyr around 84 AD in Boeotia, Greece. His feast day falls on October 18, often celebrated as the patronal feast of physicians and artists.