St. Barnabas

Who they were

His name was Joseph, and the apostles renamed him Barnabas, which means son of encouragement. The New Testament shows the nickname being earned three times over.

He appears first selling his field and laying the price at the apostles' feet. He appears next in the scene that changed history's direction: when the converted Saul came to Jerusalem and they were all afraid of him, not believing he was a disciple, it was Barnabas who took him, brought him to the apostles, and put his own credibility under Paul's story. Sent to the exploding church at Antioch, his response to a movement outgrowing all supervision was pure Barnabas: he was glad, and he went to Tarsus to fetch Saul. And when that partnership split over John Mark, the young deserter Paul refused to take again, Barnabas stood by his cousin and sailed with him to Cyprus. Mark's page carries the vindication, that he is useful to me, and Barnabas holds his share of it: the second chance had an underwriter.

Why people turn to St. Barnabas

Everyone whose gift is believing in people early: mentors, sponsors, the manager who hires the risky resume. And everyone who needs such a person. Cyprus claims him by right, since he founded its Church.

How to ask their intercession

Name the person the room is afraid of, or done with, and ask Barnabas's prayers for the nerve to vouch.