Saint Andrew, Apostle

November 30 – St. Andrew, Apostle –

He was brother of Simon (Peter), both fishermen. From the fourth Gospel we learn that Andrew was a disciple of the Baptist, whose testimony first led him and John the Evangelist to follow Jesus. Andrew introduced him to his brother, Peter; later they left all things to follow Jesus. As one of the twelve, Andrew was admitted to the closest familiarity with Our Lord; he was present at the Last Supper; beheld the risen Lord; witnessed the Ascension; shared in the graces and gifts of the first Pentecost, and helped, amid threats and persecution, to establish the faith in Palestine. It is generally agreed that he was crucified by order of the Roman Governor, Aegeas, at Patrae in Achaia, and that he was bound, not nailed, to the cross, in order to prolong his sufferings.