Saint Barnabas, originally named Joseph, was an early Christian missionary and companion of St. Paul. He was known for his encouragement, generosity, and commitment to spreading the Gospel. Barnabas played a crucial role in welcoming Paul into the Christian community after his conversion, helping to bridge the gap between Paul and the apostles. Together, they embarked on missionary journeys to spread Christianity across the Mediterranean. Barnabas is also considered the founder of the Christian community in Antioch. He was eventually martyred for his faith. His feast day, June 11, honors his contributions to the early Church and his dedication to Christ.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has decreed that this is a Holy Day of Memorial to be observed in Canada.