Pope Francis explained that St. Stephen’s testimony shows Catholics how to live in accord with Jesus: “mild and courageous, humble and noble, non-violent.” Pope Francis celebrates Midnight Mass on the ...

Pope Francis marked the feast day of Saint Stephen on Dec. 26, noting that the martyrdom of the early Church saint helps prevent the Christmas season from being reduced to a trivial celebration. "The ...

Pope Francis marked the day after Christmas by noting Christians are still being persecuted for their faith, as the Church celebrates the feast day of the first martyr, St. Stephen. “Unfortunately, ...

On St. Stephen’s Day, observed on the third day of Christmas, the Orthodox Church commemorates the first Christian martyr, closing the traditional cycle of year-end Christian celebrations. The name ...

A stained glass image at Good Shepherd Church in Chilton, Wis., depicts the martyrdom of St. Stephen, the first deacon, by stoning. The feast of St. Stephen the Martyr is Dec. 26. (OSV News photo/Sam ...

The death of St. Stephen, the Church's first martyr, teaches Catholics to renew their commitment to charity and self-gift, part of the meaning of Christmas, Pope Francis said Thursday. In his address ...