St Ignatius of Antioch
Today we will remember the life that was lived by St. Ignatius of Antioch.
St. Ignatius was born in Syria, St. Ignatius had decided to convert to Christianity and he was able to become the bishop of Antioch. During the year 107, the Emperor Trajan had visited Antioch and he had forced the Christians there to choose between death and apostasy. St. Ignatius made it clear that he would not deny Christ and thus he was condemned for that reason and he was to be put to death in Rome.
St. Ignatius is well known for the very well detailed seven letters that he had wrote on the long journey that he went on which was from Antioch to Rome. Five of these letters were written to churches that were located in Asia Minor; the letters urged the Christians who were in that area to remain faithful to God and to obey their superiors. St. Ignatius warns them about heretical doctrines, and he provides them with many truths of the Christian faith.
The sixth letter was written to Polycarp, who was the bishop of Smyrna, who was later martyred for his beliefs. The final letter explains to the Christians who had lived in Rome and it tells them not to try to stop his martyrdom. The letter states; “The only thing I ask of you is to allow me to offer the libation of my blood to God. I am the wheat of the Lord; may I be ground by the teeth of the beasts to become the immaculate bread of Christ.”
St. Ignatius had bravely met with the lions in the Circus Maximus. St. Ignatius’ feast day is celebrated on October 17.
Prayer to St. Ignatius:
St. Ignatius intercede that we may be able to strengthen our devotion to Christ each and every day. Help us to overcome any temptation, pain or sickness that we may encounter. Help us to do well in all of our assignments, projects or exams.
Amen
St. Ignatius pray for us
St. Joseph pray for us
May we continue to strengthen our journey to sainthood and keep others in our prayers.
Works cited Information (read from, not taken): Franciscan Media. "Saint Ignatius of Antioch."https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-ignatius-of-antioch. October 31, 2021. Images: Saint Ignatius of Antioch. October 31, 2021.Saint Ignatius of Antioch.