A long time ago, in a city called Cyrene in Libya, a little boy named Mark was born. His parents were from the tribe of Levi. His father’s name was Aristopolis, and his mother’s name was Mary, a kind and faithful woman who loved God very much.
Mark was given two names:
John – a Hebrew name that means “God’s Kingdom.”
Mark – a Latin name that means “Hammer.”
Mark’s family was very special. He was related to Barnabas the Apostle, and his father was a cousin of St. Peter’s wife. This meant young Mark grew up close to the great followers of Jesus.
Mark was a smart boy who learned both Greek and Latin. But one day, trouble came. Barbarians attacked their home, so Mark and his mother moved to Palestine. There, something amazing happened—his mother’s house became the very first church!
Why? Because Jesus Himself ate the Passover Meal there with His disciples, washed their feet, and gave them the Eucharist. Later, in that same upper room, the Holy Spirit came down upon the disciples. Imagine that—Mark’s home became a holy place filled with God’s presence!
Mark was also chosen by Jesus to be one of the seventy apostles. Some even say he was the boy at the wedding in Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine. Others believe he was the young man who ran away during Jesus’ arrest, leaving his linen cloth behind.
Have you ever seen a picture of a lion with wings? That’s the symbol of St. Mark!
Why a lion? Here are three reasons:
The Lion Miracle – Once, while Mark was traveling with his father, a fierce lion and lioness appeared! His father told him to run, but Mark prayed to Jesus. Suddenly, the lions fell dead, and his father believed in Christ.
The Gospel’s Beginning – Mark’s Gospel starts with the words, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness.” Just like a lion’s roar, the Gospel announces Jesus as the mighty King.
The Lion of Judah – Jesus is called the “Lion of Judah” in the Bible. Since Mark’s Gospel shows Jesus’ great power, it is fitting that Mark’s symbol is a lion.
That’s why in Venice, Italy, people honor St. Mark with a grand statue of a winged lion in the city square.
St. Mark worked hard to share the Good News of Jesus.
He started by helping St. Peter in Jerusalem.
Then he joined Paul and Barnabas on their first journey, though he later returned home.
When Paul and Barnabas planned another trip, Paul didn’t want Mark to come. So Mark traveled with Barnabas instead, preaching in Cyprus.
Later, Mark traveled farther than anyone imagined. He went to Egypt, and there something amazing happened.
One day, Mark needed his sandals fixed. He went to a shoemaker named Anianus. While repairing the sandals, Anianus pricked his finger with a needle and cried, “O God, the One!” Mark healed his wound in Jesus’ name and told him about the true God. Anianus and his whole family became Christians! Soon, many people in Alexandria believed, and Mark ordained Anianus as the first bishop of Egypt.
From Egypt, Mark’s mission spread everywhere—Pentapolis, Rome, Venice, and even Lebanon. The faith grew because of his courage and love for Jesus.
St. Mark wrote the first Gospel ever, around the year 65–70 A.D. Many believe Matthew and Luke used Mark’s Gospel to write theirs.
Some say he wrote it in Egypt, others in Rome. But all agree on one thing: his Gospel is full of power, like the roar of a lion, showing Jesus as the Son of God.
St. Mark finished his life as a martyr in Alexandria, giving everything for Jesus. Even St. Paul, in his final days, said:
“Bring Mark with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.”
Today, St. Mark is remembered as:
The writer of the first Gospel.
The founder of the Church of Alexandria.
The saint with the symbol of a lion.
