St. Luke Medals, Medallions and Jewelry
We often wear medals or pendants of our patron saints to remind us of their sacrifices and to encourage us in times of need. Rosaries that include a medal of a patron saint may also be used in prayer, when seeking their intercession.
Saint Luke was a great historian who recorded the third Gospel
and the Acts of the Apostles. He is the only Gentile to have written
books in the Bible and he was a close companion of Paul of Tarsus,
whom he accompanied during Paul's missionary journeys.
Saint Luke was a physician and it is quite possible that he saved Paul several times by administering medical aid to him when he was beaten, stoned or nearly drowned. The Catholic Church venerated Luke as the patron saint of physicians and surgeons. For this reason, many doctors may wear a Saint Luke medal to encourage them as they tend to the sick.
Artists and painters may wear a Saint Luke medal for inspiration. According to tradition, Luke painted images of Mary and Jesus. It was later proven that Luke did not paint these images but he is still considered the patron saint of painters.
Saint Luke is often depicted painting a picture of Mary. He is also portrayed with a pen in hand and an ox, the symbol of sacrifice, standing nearby. The ox represents the sacrifice made by Jesus.
Luke is also considered the patron saint of bachelors, bookbinders, brewers, butchers, Capena, Italy, glassmakers, glass workers, gold workers, goldsmiths, Hermersdorf, Germany, lace-makers, lace workers, notaries, sculptors and stained glass workers. His feast day is October 18th.
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