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Also known as: Theophoros;
God-Bearer
Convert from paganism to Christianity. Succeeded Peter as bishop of
Antioch, Syria. During the persecution of Trajan, he was ordered taken to
Rome to be killed by wild animals. On the way, a journey which took
months, he wrote a series of encouraging letters to the churches under his
care. First writer to use the term the Catholic Church. Martyr.
Died: martyred c.107 at Rome; given to wild beasts; relics at Saint
Peter's, Rome
Patronage: Church in eastern Mediterranean, Church in North Africa,
throat diseases
Representation: chains; lions; bishop surrounded by lions
Readings
I am writing to all the churches to let it be known that I will gladly die
for God if only you do not stand in my way. I plead with you: show me no
untimely kindness. let me be food for the wild beasts, for they are my way
to God. I am God's wheat and bread. Pray to Christ for me that the animals
will be the means of making me a sacrificial victim for God.
No earthly pleasures, no kingdoms of this world can benefit me in any way.
I prefer death in Christ Jesus to power over the farthest limits of the
earth. He who died in place of us is the one object of my quest. He who
rose for our sakes is my one desire.
The prince of this world is determined to lay hold of me and to undermine
my will which is intent on God. Let none of you here help him; instead
show yourselves on my side, which is also God's side. Believe instead what
I am now writing to you. For though I am alive as I write to you, still my
real desire is to die. My love of this life has been crucified, and there
is no yearning in my for any earthly thing. Rather within me is the living
water which says deep inside me: "Come to the Father." I no longer take
pleasure in perishable food or in the delights of this world I want only
God's bread, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ, formed from the seed of
David, and for drink I crave his blood, which is love that cannot perish.
Pray for me that I may obtain my desire. I have not written to you as a
mere man would, but as one who knows the mind of God.
from a letter to the Romans from Saint Ignatius of Antioch
source:
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/sainti05.htm
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