St. Luke was born in Syria. He was trained to be a doctor. He was also a very talented artist who loved to paint. His favourite subjects to paint were pictures of Mary and Jesus. St. Luke was the writer of the Third Gospel in the Bible. He also wrote the Acts of the Apostles. He is the only non Jewish writer of the Holy Scriptures.
He is considered to be an important historian. Although he was not alive at the same time that Jesus was, St. Luke very carefully gathered information and stories from those who had followed or listened to Jesus in order to write his Gospel. His intention was to proclaim and to persuade.
St. Luke's gospel is the gospel of the poor and of social justice. He wanted us to understand how important it is to take care of people who are less fortunate and in need. St. Luke was a man who loved the poor. He wanted the door to God's kingdom to be opened to everyone.
He wants us to understand and to know that God had unending and unconditional love for all of us, and that there is hope in God’s mercy for everyone. This message of compassion for others is a strong message in St. Luke’s gospel.
St. Luke is often shown with an ox or a calf, because these are the symbols of sacrifice - the sacrifice Jesus made for all of the world.