Saint Bartholomew

Bartholomew is named among the Twelve in the synoptic Gospels and never appears in John; John, on the other hand, speaks of a Nathanael whom the synoptics never mention. For centuries tradition has taken them to be the same man — even though some modern scholars aren’t convinced. If the identification is right, then he came from Cana in Galilee, and his is one of the best scenes in the Gospel. Philip tells him he has found the Messiah, “Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” And he answers with what must have been a common saying among the neighbors: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip doesn’t argue: he just tells him, “Come and see.” When Jesus sees him coming, he greets him like this: “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit.” The name Bartholomew is a patronymic: bar-Tolmai, son of Talmai. The place and date of his death are uncertain: Armenia is mentioned, and Syria, and the year 68 or so. Tradition says he was flayed alive, and that’s why in art you see him holding his own skin — and in the Last Judgment, on that skin, Michelangelo painted his own face. He is patron saint of tanners and butchers. His relics are in Rome, on Tiber Island, and in Benevento. If your name is Bartholomew, today is your name day.