Abel the Patriarch

Second son of Adam and Eve, slain by his brother Cain because the latter's oblation was not accepted favorably by God as was Abel's. For his death in this way he is regarded as a type of Our Savior. His death symbolizes, too, the bloody sacrifice of the Cross and the unbloody one of the altar. He is mentioned in the Canon of the Mass, and his name holds first place in the Litany for the Dying. His feast is celebrated on January 23.