St.Andrew was admitted to the closest familiarity with Our Lord as one of the 12 Apostles. During His public life, St. Andrew was present at the Last Supper, beheld the risen Lord, witnessed the Ascension, shared in the graces and gifts of the first Pentecost, and helped, amid threats and persecution, to establish the Faith in Palestine. When the Apostles went forth to preach to the Nations, St. Andrew seems to have taken an important part, but unfortunately we have no certainty as to the extent or place of his labors.
St. Andrew was martyred. He didn't believe that he was worthy enough to be crucified on the same type of cross as Jesus; at his request, he was crucified on an X-shaped cross instead.
St. Andrew is also the patron saint of Scotland. The symbol on the Scottish flag is a Cross of St. Andrew.
Prayers to Saint Andrew the Apostle
O Glorious Saint Andrew, you were the first to recognize and follow the Lamb of God. With your friend Saint John you remained with Jesus for that first day, for your entire life, and now throughout eternity.
As you led your brother Saint Peter to Christ and many others after him, draw us also to him. Teach us to lead others to Christ solely out of love for him and dedication in his service. Help us to learn the lesson of the Cross and to carry our daily crosses without complaint so that they may carry us to Jesus.
Brother of Simon Peter, you heard John the Baptist say: "Behold the Lamb of God," and yoou chose to follow Jesus. Leaving your nets, you became a successful fisher of souls. Lover of the Crucified Christ, you too were crucified like him. Teach us to live and suffer for him and to win many souls for Christ.