Andrew could tell the moment he met Jesus Christ that he was the Savior and that he should follow him. He felt as though he should tell the world about Jesus and his greatness, and he started by introducing him to his brother Simon.
This was a huge moment for what is now the Catholic Church because Simon would later be known as Peter. He would be the “rock” that Jesus would build his church upon. Saint Andrew would also become and apostle of Jesus, just like his brother. Andrew was first introduced to Jesus by Saint John the Baptist.
Jesus convinced Andrew and Simon, or Peter, to follow him by telling them he would make them “fishers of men”. This made sense to Andrew and Simon because they were both fisherman when John the Baptist brought Jesus to meet them. Andrew with the initial person to give up everything in his life including all his belongings and his trade to follow Jesus.
Eventually, Andrew was crucified on a cross like Jesus, but Andrew was bound to the cross and not nailed to it like Jesus was. People say that this was done to draw out his suffering. Andrew was bound to a cross in the shape of an X, instead of the traditional cross. This was done because Andrew demanded he was not worthy to be put on the same cross as Jesus. That is why the X shaped cross is known today as Saint Andrew’s Cross.
Saint Andrew spent a large part of his life in Greece, and what is modern day Russia and Romania. He traveled the lands converting great numbers of people to Christianity. This is why Andrew is the patron saint of Russia, Scotland, and Romania. Seeing as he was a fisherman before devoting his life to Christ, he is known as the patron saint of the fishing industry and all its components as well. He is usually shown in paintings and other art with fishing nets, for this reason. Other things that Saint Andrew is known as the patron saint of are sore throats, single women, gout, Army Rangers, rope-makers, performers, mariners, and singers.
Saint Andrew was known as the one who brought others to Jesus, like his brother Simon. So people who bring others into the church and attempt to share knowledge of the church with others are usually known as followers of Saint Andrew.
Towards the end of his life, Saint Andrew did many miracles. One of which was freeing Matthias, a disciple, from prison, and another of which was raising a faithful woman’s son from the dead.
On November 30th each year, or the first Sunday in Advent the feast day of Saint Andrew is celebrated. This was the day that he was crucified, and is why the church chose this day to celebrate his life and deeds.
If you are interested in other patron saints, please visit The Catholic Gift Shop where you can find patron saint medals for all saints.
Do you think patron saints are still relied on today, as they were in the past? We are ALWAYS interested in hearing about your devotion to your favorite patron saint, or your parish church, named after a Saint. Please tell us your favorite patron saint story below.
Tags: patron saint, Saint Andrew the Apostle, Simon Peter, St. Andrew, St. Andrew patron saint