*_June 11th ~ Memorial of St. Barnabas, Apostle_* Saint Barnabas, originally named Joseph and a Jew of the tribe of Levi, was born on the isle of Cyprus (see Acts 4:36). Joseph followed Jesus during his public ministry and might have been one of the seventy-two disciples whom Jesus sent out on a mission (see Luke 10:1–24). Barnabas’ first mention in the New Testament appears when he “sold a piece of property that he owned, then brought the money and put it at the feet of the apostles” (Acts 4:37). The Apostles changed Joseph’s name to Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement.” After Saint Paul had converted to Christianity and spent three years fasting and praying in Arabia, he traveled to Jerusalem. The Apostles hesitated to receive him, but Barnabas brought Paul to them. Paul recounted his story before returning to his hometown of Tarsus. During that time, a Christian community grew among the Gentiles in Antioch in Syria.