Saint Stephen, the first martyr of the Church, was one of the first seven deacons chosen by the apostles to serve the poorest. Driven by ardent faith and inspired wisdom, he proclaimed Christ with force, even at the cost of his life, stoned before the eyes of Saul of Tarsus (the future Saint Paul). His martyrdom is a powerful testimony of love, forgiveness, and fidelity to the end. To wear a medal bearing his image is to entrust oneself to the intercession of a courageous witness, and to draw from his example the strength to love without fear, to the point of total self-giving.