Saint Matthew

France – 1971 Sculpture of St. Matthew, Cathedral of Strasbourg. The St. Matthew statue in the Cathedral of Strasbourg (*Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg*) is a famous 13th-century stone sculpture located on the Pillar of Angels (also known as the *Pilier des Anges*) in the cathedral’s south transept. St. Matthew is depicted holding a scroll and is carved in a highly realistic, almost rustic style. Local Legend: Because the statue’s features look so raw and unrefined compared to other Gothic sculptures, a local legend claims it represents a peasant who stood near the pillar just to see if it would crumble

St. Matthew, also known as Levi, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and is traditionally recognized as the author of the first Gospel, making him one of the four Evangelists. Originally a tax collector in Capernaum, he left his profession immediately upon being called by Jesus.

He is the patron saint of bankers, accountants, bookkeepers, security guards, and tax collectors.

He is often symbolized by a winged man or angel in Christian art, representing the humanity of Jesus highlighted in his Gospel.

The Gospel of Matthew was written primarily for a Jewish audience to show that Jesus is the promised Messiah.

Traditions regarding his later life vary; he is believed to have preached in Persia, Ethiopia, or Parthia, with some accounts suggesting he died a martyr’s death.

His feast is on September 21.

[source: Wikipedia]

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