St. Barnabas, Apostle

Celebrating St. Barnabas, Apostle on June 11.

Saint Barnabas, though not one of the original Twelve Apostles, was counted among the most influential early Christians. A Levite from Cyprus, he played a pivotal role in the spread of the Gospel among the Gentiles. Barnabas introduced Paul to the apostles when others were wary of the former persecutor. His gift was one of encouragement—indeed, his name means “son of consolation”—and he consistently used his position not to dominate, but to uplift.

He championed Paul’s missionary vocation, co-founded communities, and later humbly stepped back as Paul rose in prominence. Even in disagreements, such as the one that led him to part ways with Paul over John Mark, Barnabas showed that fidelity doesn’t always mean agreement, but it always requires integrity and love.

In the professional world, where ambition and visibility are often prized, Saint Barnabas reminds us of the sacred role of encouragement. Not everyone is called to be the front-runner; some are called to be the catalyst—to lift others, to believe in those who are doubted, and to create spaces for others to flourish.

For Catholic professionals, Barnabas is a model of leadership that doesn’t cling to power but releases it for the sake of mission. He teaches us that mentorship, trust, and the courage to walk away peacefully are as much a part of Christian witness as bold action. Let him inspire you to be a force of peace and potential in your workplace—one who sees, affirms, and equips others with grace.