Feast Day: October 17
St. Ignatius was a convert to
the Faith and a disciple of St. John the Evangelist. St. Chrysostom says that St. Peter
appointed him Bishop of Antioch, which See he governed for forty years. The saint longed
to shed to shed his blood for Christ but the opportunity was not granted him during the
persecution under Domitian. While the short reign of Nerva lasted the Church was in peace,
but under Trajan persecution broke out anew. In the year 107, the Emperor came to Antioch.
St. Ignatius was seized and brought before him. Having confessed Christ, he was condemned
to be taken in chains to Rome, there to be exposed to the wild beasts. During this last
journey he was welcomed by the faithful of Smyrna, Troas, and other places along the way.
He arrived in Rome just as the public spectacles in the amphitheater were drawing to a
close. The faithful of the city came out to meet him. He was at once hurried to the
amphitheater, where two fierce lions immediately devoured him. He ended his saintly life
by a glorious death, exclaiming, "May I become agreeable bread to the Lord." His
remains were carried to Antioch, where they were interred. In the reign of Theodosius they
were transferred to a church within the city. At present they are venerated in Rome.
During his long journey he addressed seven epistles to various congregations, in which, as
a disciple of the Apostles, he testifies to the dogmatic character of Apostolic
Christianity. His feast day is October 17th.
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