St. Timothy

Saint Timothy

Bishop & Martyr

Timothy was a native of Lycaonia in Asia Minor, and he was well acquainted with Holy Scripture from an early age. He and his Jewish mother and grandmother all embraced Christianity, and were commended for their faith by St. Paul. The holy Apostle was so impressed, in fact, that he took Timothy as a travelling companion, around the year of Our Lord 51. Timothy was circumcised so that he might preach more effectively to the Jews, though this practice was no longer obligatory and indeed strongly discouraged by the Church, if not outright forbidden, especially after the destruction of the Temple. Timothy accompanied Paul devoutly for many years, suffering imprisonment and other hardships, and Paul’s praise for his disciple is found all throughout the Apostle’s epistles. Paul made Timothy the first Bishop of Ephesus in the year of Our Lord 64, and later wrote two letters to him specifically. It is on account of Timothy’s weak stomach that Paul prescribed a little wine for his health, and thus Timothy is a patron of digestive issues. The holy bishop was stoned to death in Ephesus around the year 97.

Traditional Roman Martyrology for January 24th

THE birthday [into heaven] of St. Timothy, disciple of the apostle St. Paul, who ordained him bishop of Ephesus. After many combats for Christ, he was stoned for reprehending those who offered sacrifices to Diana, and shortly after went peacefully to his rest in the Lord.

At Antioch, in the persecution of Decius, the bishop St. Babylas, who frequently glorified God by his sufferings and torments, and ended his holy life in chains, with which he ordered his body to be buried. Three boys whom he had instructed in the faith of Christ, Urbanus, Philidian, Epolonius, are said to have suffered with him.

At Neocaesarea, the holy martyrs Mardonius, Musonius, Eugenius, and Metellus, who were burned to death, their remains being thrown into the river.

At Foligno, in the time of Decius, St. Felician, consecrated bishop of that city by pope Victor. After many labors, he was crowned with martyrdom in extreme old age.

Also, the holy martyrs Thyrsus and Projectus.

At Bologna, St. Zamas, the first bishop of that city, who was consecrated by pope St. Denis, and there wonderfully propagated the Christian faith.

Also, blessed Suranus, abbot, who lived in the time of the Lombards.

℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

℟. Thanks be to God.