“St Luke the Evangelist Icon,” painted by Vladimir Lukich Borovikovsky (1757-1825)
a Russian painter of Ukrainian origin who dominated portraiture in Russia at the turn of the 19th century. The painting is located at the royal gates of the central iconostasis of the Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburgh. (Public Domain/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS)

Oct. 18

This frosted image of St. Luke greets parishioners at his namesake church in Phoenix as they approach the worship space and in the foyer as they leave. (Ambria Hammel/CATHOLIC SUN)

Early historians said this author of the third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles was born to a pagan family in Antioch (Turkey) and converted to Christianity.

Parishioners at St. Luke in Phoenix will never forget the patronage of the third Gospel writer, who also authored the Book of Acts. It’s clearly depicted in a window behind the choir area. (Ambria Hammel/CATHOLIC SUN)

According to Paul’s letters and Acts, he was a doctor and Paul’s companion during his later journeys and imprisonment in Rome. Luke’s New Testament writings in Greek were for Gentiles, extending to them the salvation promised to Israel.

He is the patron of physicians and surgeons and, because of a legend that he painted a Marian icon, of painters.

He is also the patron of St. Luke Parish in Phoenix and of the Catholic Physicians Guild of Phoenix. The annual White Mass for healthcare professionals, scheduled for Oct. 20 this year at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, is celebrated on a Saturday near his feast day.

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