St Matthew History

The observance of Saint Matthew honours an apostle of Jesus Christ, traditionally believed to be the author of the first Gospel in the New Testament. Matthew, originally a tax collector, was called by Jesus to leave his former life and become a disciple. This act of calling someone from a despised profession into the core group of followers was significant, highlighting Jesus' mission to reach out to all people, including those considered outcasts by society. Saint Matthew is often depicted with a winged man, symbolizing his role as an evangelist.

Historically, Saint Matthew's Gospel was written to serve as a historical account of Jesus' life and teachings, particularly for Jewish converts, demonstrating Jesus' fulfillment of messianic prophecies. The Gospel is noted for its strong connection to Jewish heritage and its extensive use of Old Testament references. In Canada, churches and schools have been named in honour of Saint Matthew, reflecting his enduring significance in religious communities across the country. For instance, St. Matthew's Anglican Church in Winnipeg has a history dating back to 1896, evolving into a community centre that serves newcomers. Similarly, St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School in Edmonton is named in his honour, with its own celebration of his Feast Day.

In Canada, the Feast of Saint Matthew is observed on September 21st each year. Observances typically involve religious services in churches, where the life and teachings of Saint Matthew are reflected upon. Many churches named St. Matthew, such as those in Abbotsford and Toronto, continue to serve their communities through various ministries and outreach programs, embodying the spirit of Saint Matthew's calling to serve others. Some traditions also suggest symbolic ways to celebrate, such as engaging in activities related to his former profession as a tax collector, like playing board games that involve money or enjoying coin-shaped treats, as a nod to his transformative journey.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Saint Matthew in Canada

• For the upcoming 2026 observance, the liturgical readings focus on the call of Matthew at the tax booth, inviting reflection on the theme of spiritual renewal and the universal call to proclaim the Gospel through both actions and words.
• The 2026 feast day readings specifically highlight the ministry of the Church as described in Ephesians 4:1-13, emphasizing unity and the building up of the Body of Christ.
• Saint Matthew is recognized as both an Apostle and an Evangelist, credited with authoring the first Gospel in the New Testament, which is widely considered the most Jewish of the four accounts.
• In the liturgical calendar, the feast is traditionally observed with the color red, which symbolizes the blood of martyrdom and the fire of the Holy Spirit.
• The saint is frequently identified with the name Levi, and biblical scholars often interpret the dual names—Matthew and Levi—as a common practice in the first century, where individuals held both a Hebrew and a Greek or Roman name.
• Before his encounter with Jesus, Matthew served as a tax collector, a profession that was highly despised in Jewish society because it involved collecting funds for the Roman Empire, often through extortion.
• The dramatic moment of his calling is famously depicted in art, most notably in the work The Calling of St. Matthew by Caravaggio, which captures the transformative power of his encounter with Christ.
• Saint Matthew is the patron saint of a wide range of financial and civil professions, including bankers, accountants, bookkeepers, stockbrokers, and customs officers.
• While his Gospel remains a cornerstone of Christian scripture, historical details regarding his later life and death remain uncertain, with various traditions placing his final years in locations ranging from Ethiopia to Persia.
• The Gospel of Matthew is noted for its focus on demonstrating that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies, written originally with the hope of convincing his contemporaries of the Messiah's arrival.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Saint Matthew

Top things to do in Canada 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.
• As Saint Matthew was known for his acts of charity, consider engaging in a charitable activity in his honor. Donate to a local charity, volunteer your time, or find other ways to help those in need.
• Take a moment to meditate on the teachings and lessons from the Gospel of Matthew. Use this day for self-reflection and prayer.