St Andrew's Feast Day

From a little book called Pictorial Lives of the Saints

NOVEMBER 30.—ST. ANDREW, APOSTLE.

ST. ANDREW was one of the fishermen of Bethsaida, and brother, perhaps elder brother, of St. Peter, and became a disciple of St. John Baptist.

He seemed always eager to bring others into notice; when called himself by Christ on the banks of the Jordan, his first thought was to go in search of his brother, and he said, " We have found the Messias," and he brought him to Jesus.

It was he again who, when Christ wished to feed the nve thousand in the desert, pointed out the little lad with the five loaves and fishes.

St. Andrew went forth upon his mission to plant the faith in Scythia and Greece, and at the end of years of toil to win a martyr's crown. After suffering a cruel scourging at Patrae in Achaia, he was left, bound by cords, to die upon a cross. When St. Andrew first caught sight of the gibbet on which he was to die, he greeted the precious wood with joy.

"O, good cross!" he cried, " made beautiful by the limbs of Christ, so long desired, now so happily found! Receive me into thy arms, and present me to my Master, that He who redeemed me through thee may now accept me from thee."

Two whole days the martyr remained hanging on this cross alive, preaching, with outstretched arms from this chair of truth, to all who came near, and entreating them not to hinder his passion.

Reflection.—If we would do good to others, we must, like St. Andrew, keep close to the Cross.

There is more about St Andrew at Catholic Culture

Food: 

Since St Andrew was a fisherman, you could serve fish today.

Since St Andrew is the Patron of Scotland, Scottish Oat Scones might be a good dish to serve as well. 

There are more suggestions at Catholic Culture, including the traditional Scottish sheep's head which I will not try this year, thank you. 

Devotions:

The Christmas Novena starts on St Andrew's feast day and ends on Christmas.   This is to be said 15 times a day every day.   Chari asked me if I would say it this year.  I told her I would do my best.   Perhaps some of our readers will want to join in?

Saint Andrew Christmas Novena

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment

in which the Son of God was born

of the most pure Virgin Mary,

at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. 

In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God!

to hear my prayer and grant my desires,

through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, 

and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.  

If you want a printable copy of this Christmas prayer for your Advent notebook or refrigerator or prayer area, I have found a couple:

• Christmas Prayer (pdf)at Catholic Therapists

• Saint Andrew Christmas Novena for Children (pdf) at Raising Little Saints

Activities and More:

If you want to make a St Andrew's chaplet, go to Elizabeth Foss's In the Heart of My Home for directions.

Chari and Willa's online friend Ruth of Loreto Rosaries has St Andrew Chaplets available for sale.