The Roman Catholic Church observes Sunday, Dec. 26, the second day in the octave of Christmas, the memory of Saint Stephen (San Esteban), known as the proto martyr or the first martyr of the Christian faith.

In the country, a holy mass was expected to be celebrated at 9 a.m. at the St. Stephen Parish in Santa Cruz, Manila. Feast masses in honor of their patron saint will also be held in Ligao, Albay; Tuguegarao City; and in San Esteban, Ilocos Sur.

St. Stephen, whose name in Greek means “wreath” or “crown,” is included in the Roman Canon. He was one of the first deacons of the early Church. Acts 6:3 described St. Stephen as “a man of good character, full of faith, wisdom, and the Holy Spirit.”

According to accounts, St. Stephen experienced a theophany and saw God the Father and God the Son while on trial and being persecuted for standing by his faith. He said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.” He died a martyr’s death, stoned by an infuriated mob that included Saul of Tarsus (Saint Paul) in Jerusalem. He died praying for forgiveness for his executioners.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI said, “St. Stephen’s death was not a reason for fear and sadness, but of spiritual enthusiasm which always gave rise to new Christians.”