Martyrs: Saint Stephen the Protomartyr

The first Mystics episode is about a saint called the Father of Monks. He’s one of the first Desert Fathers, hermits who lived solitary lives in the harsh deserts of Egypt. Throughout his life he was attacked and tempted by the Devil in the guises of a beautiful woman, unimaginable riches, terrifying demons, and a centaur. He’s the patron saint of butchers, gravediggers, animals, skin diseases, and Rome. This is the story of Saint Anthony of Egypt the Mystic in the Desert.

This is a special episode inspired by an exhibition at the National Gallery in London entitled, Saint Francis of Assisi, featuring a special guest, curator Dr Joost Joustra. Presenting the art and imagery of Saint Francis from the 13th century to today, the exhibition looks at why this saint is a figure of enormous relevance to our time due to his spiritual radicalism, commitment to the poor, and love of God and nature, as well as his powerful appeals for peace, and openness to dialogue with other religions. It’s an incredible exhibition that explores the life of an enormously popular saint through some of the earliest Medieval depictions, manuscripts written in Francis’ hand, a tunic that the saint wore, modern-day films – and even a Marvel comic book! The Art of Saint Francis is a special Saint Podcast episode about the way art has shaped our understanding of the poverello from Assisi.

This is a special episode created in collaboration with the York Art Gallery. It’s inspired by an exhibition curated by Dr Joost Joustra called Sin, organised by the National Gallery, London with York Museums Trust. The exhibition explores the theme of sin through a collection of artworks spanning a Medieval depiction of demons consuming the soul of a sinner to old masters paintings of saints, martyrs, and other divine figures – and a provocative contemporary sculpture that confronts the assumptions we make about sin and sinners. This is 'It’s a Sin', a special Saint Podcast episode that explores the history of sin.

In Part I of our Saint Francis Mystics episode, Francis turned his back on youthful pursuits of status and glory. In Part II, his movement and message gain momentum. Their success, however, heralds the end of a golden age. As the number of Francis' followers swell, conflict with the Papacy in Rome seems inevitable. Join Francis as he meets Pope Innocent III. Then journey with him to the East to meet a powerful sultan fighting against a crusader army. Explore Francis' relationships with women and his unusual approach to gender. We'll examine Francis' well-known love of nature and his famously anti-materialist messages that are perhaps more relevant today than ever.

Episode four in the Mystics series is about a saint who was born in the year 1181. He was a middle-class party boy who aspired to the upper-class sex, drugs, and rock and roll lifestyle of an aristocrat until a chance encounter with a leper changed him. His love for nature is commonly referenced, as are the bloody stigmata he bore on his body. The saint we know today, however, bears superficial resemblance to the man pieced together from historical evidence.  This is Part I of the story of Saint Francis of Assisi the Wayward Stigmatic.

Episode five in the Mystics series is about a saint who was devoted to Saint Francis’ rule to live in absolute poverty. She defied her aristocratic family, powerful bishops, and several popes to do just this. This saint is the first female founder of a monastic order. She was a celebrity in life and played a role in defining 13th-century European politics – all while confined within the walls of a monastery. She’s also the patron saint of television. This is the story of Saint Clare the Mighty Abbess in the Shadows.

Episode 9 in Saint Podcast's Martyrs season is about a very popular virgin saint. She’s unusual in that she was married – yet still died a virgin. Despite having no artistic skills whatsoever, she’s the patron saint of poetry, creativity, and music and has inspired musicians from Brahms to Simon and Garfunkel and the Foo Fighters!  The name of the saint means 'blind', and the development of her legend after death is linked with those of an ancient goddess of eyesight. This is the story of Saint Cecilia the blind patron of music.

This is I Am Milk, a special episode inspired by an exhibition at the Wellcome Collection in London entitled, Milk. It explores our relationship with milk and its place in politics, society, and culture. Judaeo-Christian legends are filled to the brim with stories about milk from lactating saints to a promised land of milk and honey and a Christian morality that developed around the symbolism of the white liquid. I Am Milk is a special Saint Podcast episode that delves into the link between saints’ legends and milk, featuring co-curators from the Wellcome Collection, Honor Beddard and Marianne Templeton. If you enjoy Saint Podcast, please consider supporting us at Patreon - and unlock bonus episodes, merch, and other behind-the-scene content.

Episode two of Saint Podcast's Martyr series is about Saint Sebastian, the patron saint of pandemics, athletes, archers, and outcasts. He's one of the most well-known saints. No other saint has as many works of art dedicated to them from paintings to films to books and pop songs. Tune in to learn more about this 3rd-century Roman warrior from Gaul who was famously shot full of arrows. And discover how a middle-aged Praetorian Guard became a Medieval protector against pandemics - then transformed into a shirtless, barely legal pin-up and queer icon.

Since this is the debut episode of Saint Podcast, it seems only appropriate to begin with the story of Saint Stephen, the protomartyr - or first martyr. Saint Stephen is one of the few saints whose story has a Biblical source, but his tale continues beyond the Bible in medieval legends, traditional celebrations, and even a French football club. Discover how the bones of a Roman citizen of Greek descent changed the face of Christianity. Find out why wrens are considered treacherous birds by Celts and Vikings.  And why many people around the world have Saint Stephen to thank for that public holiday on Boxing Day.