St. John the Apostle, brother of Saint James, was one of the twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus Christ and was given the title “Son of Thunder” because of his fervent and zealous spirit. John belonged to the inner circle of disciples closest to Christ, witnessing the Transfiguration, the raising of Jairus’ daughter, and the agony in Gethsemane. He is especially known as “the beloved disciple,” remaining faithfully beside Christ even at the foot of the Cross.
John authored the Gospel of John, three Epistles, and the Apocalypse, proclaiming the divinity of Christ and the commandment of holy charity. After the Resurrection, he became a leading figure in the early Church, preaching the Gospel with boldness and guiding the faithful in truth and love.
Unlike the other Apostles, John is traditionally believed to have died of old age after enduring persecution and exile on the island of Patmos. His writings continue to reveal the mystery of Christ as the eternal Word of God and the source of eternal life.
Mark 3:16–17
Jesus gives James and John the name “Boanerges,” meaning “Sons of Thunder.”
Luke 9:51–56
John and James display zeal by asking whether fire should come down from heaven.
Matthew 17:1–9
John witnesses the Transfiguration of Christ.
John 13:23–25
John reclines near Christ at the Last Supper as the beloved disciple.
John 19:25–27
Christ entrusts the Blessed Virgin Mary to John at the Cross.
Apocalypse 1:9
John receives divine revelation while exiled on Patmos.
Patron of:
Writers, Theologians, Scholars, Friendship, Asia Minor
Feast Day:
December 27
Illustration by: Colton Rompala