On November 30, Catholics around the world honor the feast day of  Saint Andrew, apostle and martyr. Born in Bethsaida, he worked as a fisherman and was the brother of Simon Peter. After Pentecost in the first century, Saint Andrew is believed to have shared the message of Christianity in regions such as Russia and Asia Minor. He was eventually crucified in Greece on an X-shaped cross, a symbol now closely associated with him and also featured on the national flag of Scotland, where he is regarded as the patron saint.

Saint Andrew showed great devotion both to his brother and to his mission. After recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, he immediately sought out Simon Peter to share the news. Scripture recounts: “Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, ‘We have found the Messiah.’ Then he brought him to Jesus.” (John 1:40–42)

Some relics of Saint Andrew were brought to Scotland in the fourth century. Other parts of his remains rest today in the crypt of the cathedral in Amalfi, Italy. Twice a year, his relics there are said to produce a clear, water-like liquid known as “manna,” which many believe to possess miraculous qualities.