St. Abel
Second son of Adam and Eve and a righteous shepherd whose acceptable offering was contrasted with Cain's; killed by Cain, becoming the first martyr in the biblical narrative. Honored in the Roman Canon among the just whose sacrifices prefigure Christ's.
Life & Times
Also known as: Abel the Just · Born: Biblical era · Died: Biblical era · From: Near East / biblical tradition.
Patronage
St. Abel is invoked as the patron of innocent victims, shepherds, righteousness. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain; he died, but through his faith he is still speaking.”— Hebrews 11:4 — Abel has no recorded direct speech in Scripture; this is the apostolic witness to his faith.
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Devotional items honoring St. Abel, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.
About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Abel, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.