Today is the Feat Day of St. Ignatius of Antioch
Memorial: October 17
Born: 35 or 50
Died: 107, Rome
Best Known For:
Saint Ignatius, who was the Bishop of Antioch after Saint Peter, is well known for the letters that he wrote while he was on his way to his martyrdom in Rome. His final journey was mostly by boat from Antioch to Rome. He was escorted by a group of soldiers until he arrived at the Colosseum where he was fed to the lions. The letters he wrote on the way to his execution consisted of six letters to various communities and one to Saint Polycarp.
Interesting Facts:
Saint Ignatius studied under the Apostles of Peter, Paul and John. The fact that he knew three of the Apostles makes his writings a valuable resource for understanding the issues and theology of the early Church.
His writings reinforces the fact that the laity should be faithful to the Bishops, and that the Eucharist is the summit of the Catholic life.
The Patron Saint Of: Churches of Northern Africa and Eastern Mediterranean
Author Of: Seven Letters to: The Ephesians, The Magnesians, The Trallians, The Romans, The Philadelphians, The Smyrnaeans, Saint Polycarp
Association with Other Saints: Saint Paul, Saint Peter, Saint John, Saint Polycarp