3. Ash Wednesday: Stephen's Witness

At Saint-Étienne in Jerusalem, the site traditionally associated with the martyrdom of Saint Stephen, we reflect on the first recorded witness who gave his life for Christ (Acts 7:54-60). As Stephen proclaimed the truth of the Gospel, Saul of Tarsus stood by, consenting to his death. This moment marked a turning point—not just for the early Church, but also for Saul, who would later become Paul, the great missionary of hope.

Stephen’s unwavering faith in the face of persecution challenges us to deepen our commitment to Christ. His final words—"Lord, do not hold this sin against them"—foreshadow the mercy and transformation that would later define Paul’s mission. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are called to witness boldly, trust in God’s providence, and embrace the grace of conversion that can change even the hardest of hearts.