Matthew was a tax collector. In Jesus's day, Jewish tax collectors worked for the Romans and were often disliked for being unfair. Then one day, Jesus asked him to follow his way. Matthew invited Jesus into his home and became an apostle. After Jesus ascended into heaven, Matthew spread the Good News and wrote one of the gospels. He is the patron (September 21) of tax collectors, bankers, and accountants.
Saints are real-life heroes of faith who inspire us by their virtues to become more like Christ. In the Saints and Me! series -- Saints for Communities, these beautifully illustrated early-reader books tell the real stories of saints that come to life and connect with today's children aged 4 to 9.