Mark lived at the time of Jesus. Although he was not among the original twelve apostles, he was a relative of Saint Barnabas, an apostle. Mark is well-known because he wrote one of the four Gospels. That is why he is called an evangelist, a Gospel writer. Mark’s Gospel is short, but it gives many little details that are not in other Gospels.       

While still young, Mark went with the two great saints, Paul and Barnabas, on a missionary journey to bring the teachings of Jesus to new lands. Before the journey was over, though, Mark seems to have had a disagreement with Saint Paul. Mark suddenly returned to Jerusalem. Paul and Mark later worked out their differences. In fact, Paul wrote from prison in Rome that Mark came to console and help him.        

Mark also became a beloved disciple of Saint Peter, the first pope. Saint Peter called Saint Mark, “my son.” Some think that Peter meant to say that he had baptized Mark. Mark was consecrated a bishop and sent to Alexandria, Egypt. There he converted many people. He worked hard to spread love for Jesus and his Church. It is believed that he went through long and painful sufferings before he died.   

Saint Mark’s relics were brought to Venice, Italy. He is the patron saint of that famous city. People go to the beautiful basilica of Saint Mark to honor him and pray to him.          

We can remember Saint Mark when we have a disagreement with someone. We can think of him also when we can’t get along with people even if we want to. At those difficult moments, we can ask Saint Mark to show us his secret for patching up differences.