St. Ananias of Damascus, who baptized Paul the Apostle

St. Ananias of Damascus was a disciple of Jesus who is remembered for baptizing the Apostle Paul. According to the Book of Acts, Ananias was instructed by God in a vision to go and find Saul (Paul) and restore his sight after his conversion on the road to Damascus. Ananias obeyed, and it was through him that Paul received the Holy Spirit and was baptized, beginning his transformation into one of the most influential figures in early Christianity. Ananias is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, with his feast day celebrated on January 25th. He is the patron saint of those suffering from blindness and is invoked for healing of the eyes.