My sister, Theresa's kids dress up for All Saint's Day at school, and they kept changing their minds about which Saints they wanted to be. Donna commented that she would have just told them, "This is who you're going to be. Wear this costume or go naked!" Of course, that started a conversation about whether there was a naked Saint (I don't know, but I don't recommend Googling it 😮).
In lieu of a "Naked" Saint, today I will tell you about a skinless Saint. Bartholomew was one of the 12 Apostles, and was also identified as Nathaniel (in the Gospel of John). The name Bartholomew means "son of Talmai" or "son of the furrows" in Aramaic. In the Gospels, he is usually named in the company of Philip.
Tradition says that, after the Ascension, Bartholomew went on a tour of India where he preached the Gospel before going on to Armenia. Other traditions have him evangelizing in Ethiopia, Mesopotamia, Parthia, and Lycaonia. He is said to have been martyred for converting Polymius, king of Armenia (or possibly an official of India - traditions vary). He was killed by being skinned alive and beheaded. He is often depicted in art carrying his skin over his arm or across his shoulders.
Among the many patronages of St. Bartholomew are tanners and leather workers. His feast day is August 24 in the West and June 11 in Eastern Christianity.
