St Matthew History

The Observance of Saint Matthew commemorates Saint Matthew the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve apostles and traditionally credited as the author of the first Gospel. His story is one of profound transformation, illustrating Jesus' compassion for all people, including those on the fringes of society. A key aspect of his observance is reflecting on his journey from a tax collector, often viewed negatively, to a devoted follower and evangelist, highlighting themes of repentance, forgiveness, and divine calling. This serves as a reminder of God's power to redeem and change lives, a message that resonates universally.

Saint Matthew's historical connection to Australia is evident in several places of worship bearing his name. Notably, St Matthew's Catholic Church in Windsor, New South Wales, is recognized as the oldest Catholic church in continuous use on mainland Australia, with its foundation laid in 1836. Another significant site is St Matthew's Church in Guildford, Western Australia, built in 1873 and noted for its Gothic Revival architecture, serving as the only Garrison Church in Western Australia. These churches stand as testaments to the early establishment of Christian communities and the enduring faith present in Australia.

In Australia, the Observance of Saint Matthew is typically marked by church services, often on or around September 21st, which is the traditional date for his feast day. Many churches named after Saint Matthew, such as St Matthew's Catholic Church in Windsor, hold special celebrations, which may include community gatherings, Masses, and educational events focusing on his life and teachings. Some traditions in other parts of the world, which may also be observed by individuals or groups in Australia, include activities symbolising Matthew's former profession, such as playing games like Monopoly or enjoying coin-shaped foods like pancakes, or even engaging with grape-themed festivities linked to harvest seasons. In Australia, the feast day is observed during Spring.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Saint Matthew in Australia

• The 2026 observance takes place during the Season of Creation, a period from 1 September to 4 October where Australian faith communities focus on prayer and action for the environment, often linking the call to discipleship with stewardship of the earth.
• For the 2026 liturgical calendar, the Feast of Saint Matthew occurs on a Monday, specifically replacing the liturgy for the Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time in many Catholic settings.
• Saint Matthew is historically celebrated as both an Apostle and one of the four Evangelists, credited with the authorship of the Gospel of Matthew, which traditionally appears first in the New Testament.
• The apostle was originally known as Levi, the son of Alphaeus, and worked as a tax collector in Capernaum—a profession that made him a social outcast and a figure of controversy in his time.
• His calling by Jesus remains one of the most famous examples of transformation in the New Testament; he famously left his tax booth immediately after Jesus said, 'Follow me,' and hosted a dinner for other tax collectors and 'sinners' to meet his new teacher.
• In Christian iconography and art, Saint Matthew is frequently symbolized by a winged man or an angel, a representation derived from the human genealogy of Jesus that opens his Gospel account.
• As a patron saint, he is traditionally associated with those in the financial professions, including bankers, accountants, and bookkeepers, due to his former work collecting taxes.
• The Gospel of Matthew is noted by scholars for its strong focus on presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, specifically written to address a Jewish-Christian audience.
• While his life before and during his ministry with Jesus is well-documented in the Gospels, very little is historically certain about his later years, with various traditions suggesting he preached in regions as diverse as Judea, Ethiopia, and Persia.
• The liturgical color associated with the feast day is red, symbolizing the tradition that Matthew was a martyr who gave his life for the faith, though records of his death remain non-canonical and vary by ancient tradition.

In the News and Trending in Australia for Saint Matthew

Top things to do in Australia for St Matthew

• Because of his background as a tax collector, Matthew is the patron saint of bankers and accountants. His feast day would be a good time to audit your books if you are a business owner or re-establish a family budget.
• Matthew was a tax collector, which was one of the most reviled professions in Judaism at the time of Christ. People looked down on tax collectors, but even so Jesus ate with them. Spend the day honoring St. Matthew getting to know somebody who is looked down upon in our society.
• Prepare a meal featuring foods from the Mediterranean or the Middle East to pay homage to the regional origins of St. Matthew.
• Take time for personal reflection and prayer, focusing on the themes of St. Matthew's teachings, such as forgiveness, humility, and acts of mercy.