Saint Bartholomew: A Faith That Brings Christ to the World

Located on Tiber Island (Isola Tiberina), Basilica of San Bartolomeo all'Isola is dedicated to Saint Bartholomew and has a particularly strong connection to his relics. The church was established at the end of the 10th century, and the altar contains relics associated with the Apostle. It is also built on the site of the ancient Temple of Aesculapius, making the location itself fascinating in the context of healing and medicine.

The basilica has also been the Memorial of the New Martyrs since 2002, preserving memories of Christians who gave their lives for their faith in the 20th and 21st centuries. It is entrusted to the Community of Sant'Egidio. If you're joining us in Rome next month, this could make a beautiful optional pilgrimage stop for MaterCare's The Genius of Motherhood conference.

On August 24, the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Bartholomew, one of the Twelve Apostles. Although we know relatively little about his life, the words associated with his first encounter with Jesus offer us a beautiful reflection on faith, truth, and the call to follow Christ.

Saint Bartholomew is traditionally identified with Nathanael, whom we meet in the Gospel of John. When Philip tells him that they have found the one spoken of by Moses and the prophets, Jesus of Nazareth, Nathanael responds with some skepticism: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”

Philip's answer is simple: “Come and see.”

It is an invitation that changed Nathanael's life.

When he meets Jesus, Nathanael discovers that Christ already knows him. His skepticism gives way to faith, and he professes: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” From that moment, he becomes a disciple and, according to Christian tradition, an apostle who carried the Gospel far beyond his own home and community.

Saint Bartholomew reminds us that faith is not simply something we hold quietly within ourselves. Like the apostles, we are called to go out into the world, to witness, to serve, and to bring Christ's love to others.

The call may begin with a question. It may begin with uncertainty. It may begin, as it did for Nathanael, with an invitation to simply come and see.

And when we truly see the needs of mothers and their children, we cannot remain unchanged.

On this Feast of Saint Bartholomew, may we pray for the grace to recognize Christ more clearly, follow Him more faithfully, and serve Him more generously in those entrusted to our care.

Saint Bartholomew, Apostle and witness to Christ, pray for us.

May we, too, answer the call to go where we are needed, to bring hope where there is fear, and to uphold the God-given dignity of every mother and every child.

Come and see. Then go and serve.