Originally from Cana in Galilee, he is usually identified with Nathanael described in the Fourth Gospel, who was introduced to the Lord by St Philip (Jn 1:45-51). According to tradition, after Pentecost he preached the Gospel in Arabia, India and Armenia, where he was flayed alive. He is thus the patron of tanners. – CTS New Daily Roman Missal 2012, p 2940; Vatican II Weekday Missal 1975, p 1744
