The Archdiocese of Milwaukee celebrated the feast day of St. John the Apostle on Dec. 27.

The day is one in which the church remembers the work of the apostle of Christ, who was a fisherman when he was called to follow Christ. 

John and his brother James, are referred to as the "sons of thunder," in part because they were incredibly zealous disciples, according to Britannica. 

“Today we celebrate the feast day of St. John the Evangelist, the principal patron saint of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. St. John is the patron of writers, editors and publishers. This honor is due to his writing of the fourth Gospel, three epistles and the Book of Revelations. We invite you to read his writings and thank him through prayer for sharing the Word of God through his love of writing. All are welcome to Sunday Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Milwaukee. Please join us!” the Archdiocese of Milwaukee shared on Facebook.

According to scripture, St. John the Apostle was fixing his nets when Jesus called his to follow him and be a disciple. John was one of the beloved disciples of Christ who witnessed the Transfiguration, the Agony at the Garden and was asked by Christ to care for the Blessed Virgin after the death of Christ. 

“After Jesus’s death, Emperor Domitian sentenced John to be submerged into a vat of boiling oil. However, John was not injured, and everyone who witnessed this miracle converted to Christianity. He was then banished to the Greek Island of Patmos, where it is believed that he wrote the Book of Revelation. John is also credited with writing three epistles and the Gospel of John.  He is the patron saint of love, loyalty, friendship, and authors,” according to the Holy Rod.