Mark

Saint Mark the Evangelist, also known as John Mark, is one of the four evangelists and the author of the second canonical Gospel. He is identified as the cousin of Barnabas and a missionary companion of Saint Paul and, more significantly, of Saint Peter. It is believed that he wrote his Gospel in Rome, recording the teachings and reminiscences of Peter, hence his reputation as the apostle's interpreter. After parting ways with Paul during their first missionary journey, Mark joined Barnabas in Cyprus. His most notable contribution, according to tradition, is the founding of the Church in Alexandria, Egypt, where he became its first bishop. He is believed to have suffered martyrdom there, dragged through the streets until his death. His relics were venerated in Alexandria until the 9th century, when they were transferred to Venice, where a magnificent basilica is dedicated to him, making him the patron saint of the city. His symbol is the winged lion, often interpreted as a reference to the voice of John the Baptist in the wilderness at the beginning of his Gospel, or to the resurrection of Christ.