Saint John the Apostle & Evangelist | Beloved Disciple and Witness of Love | Saint Story for Kids

Saint John the Apostle is honoured by the Church on December 27 as both Apostle and Evangelist, the beloved disciple who leaned on Jesus’ heart at the Last Supper. Living from the early first century until around 101 AD, John stands apart as the only apostle traditionally believed to have died a natural death, after a life of faithful witness. Saint John was the son of Zebedee and brother of James. Called by Christ from his fishing nets, he became a close companion of Jesus, present at key moments such as the Transfiguration, the Crucifixion, and the Empty Tomb. At the Cross, Jesus entrusted the Blessed Virgin Mary to John, making him a model of spiritual friendship and filial love. He is traditionally credited with the Gospel of John, three Epistles, and the Book of Revelation, writings that emphasise Christ’s divinity, light, and love. His Gospel proclaims the profound truth: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Celebrated during the Christmas Octave, Saint John’s feast reminds us that the Incarnation calls us not only to believe—but to love deeply, remain faithful, and bear witness to the Light.