St. Ignatius of Antioch: Bishop and Martyr
Today is the memorial of St. Ignatius of Antioch, one of the great Bishops of the early Church. In the Martyrology we read: "At Rome, the holy bishop and martyr Ignatius. He was the second successor to the apostle Peter in the see of Antioch. In the persecution of Trajan he was condemned to the wild beasts and sent in chains to Rome. There, by the emperor's order, he was subjected to most cruel tortures in the presence of the Senate and then thrown to the lions. Torn to pieces by their teeth, he became a victim for Christ."
The Apostles Peter and Paul, who planted the faith in Antioch, left directions that Ignatius should succeed Evodius as bishop of that city. Ignatius served as bishop of Antioch for forty years, proving himself an exemplary pastor. On the journey to Rome he wrote seven different letters to seven different churches. In these he discussed Christ, the structure of the Church, and the Christian life. He was condemned to death by being thrown to wild animals and was martyred in Rome in 107.
His last words were: "May I become agreeable bread to the Lord."
Quote: "The goals of the earth and the kingdoms of this world shall profit me nothing. It is better for me to die for the sake of Jesus Christ than to reign over the ends of the earth."
~ St. Ignatius of Antioch, letter to the Romans
Patronage: Church in eastern Mediterranean; Church in North Africa; throat diseases.
Symbols: Chains; lions; bishop surrounded by lions; heart with IHC; crucifix; heart.
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