Saint Ignatius, the Great Bishop of Antioch

Martirio di S. Ignazio, Painting by Pier Leone Ghezzi, Palazzo Barberini, Rome
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Originally from a pagan family, Ignatius converted to Christianity thanks to the preaching of Saint John the Evangelist during his missionary pilgrimages through those lands.

He was a disciple of Saint Paul, later proclaimed the third bishop of Antioch in Syria, and of which Saint Peter himself was the first bishop.

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In addition to having enjoyed great theological authority in his time, he was the composer of the most sublime antiphons. Legend has it that he discovered them when he heard the voice of angels on top of a mountain.

A burning heart whose journey towards martyrdom would serve as a model for the martyrs. Heroic personality!

His ordeal began at the time of Emperor Trajan's terrible persecution. He was arrested and taken before the emperor in Rome to deny his belief in Christ and offer sacrifice to the Roman Gods.

Led in chains by an escort of 10 soldiers to be devoured by lions in Rome, he had time to write seven letters that are the literary masterpieces of his time.

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His epistles teach us a lot about the meaning of the Church, its organization, and the Eucharistic sacrament, as well as successfully combating the heretical arguments of the time.

Words full of power and splendor as in his Epistle to the Romans, in which the saint lets his sublime contempt for carnal death shine, exalting his faith inflamed by the desire for Heaven and his deep consecration to Jesus Christ, offering Him Life!

Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Pray for us!

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Bibliography; Golden Legend by Jacobus de Voragine, The Church of Apostles and Martyrs, by Henri Daniel-Rops.

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