St Ignatius of Antioch

Among the early Church fathers, I have been drawn to the example of St. Ignatius of Antioch. When I was in my early years of formation I wrote a paper on St. Ignatius and share some of that below:



St. Ignatius was born in Antioch Syria between the years 30 and 50. His surname was Theophorus which is translated "God-bearer" or "vessel of God". It is believed he was appointed Bishop of Antioch by St. Peter. Ignatius guided the faithful during the persecution of the Emperor Domitian. When Domitian was replaced as emperor by Trajan the persecutions became more specific. He interrogated Ignatius personally about his faith and Ignatius boldly proclaimed Christ. He was arrested and sentenced to die in Rome.

The journey from Antioch to Rome would be long and difficult. Some reports say it took nine years. During these travels, Ignatius penned seven epistles addressed to the Church in prominent communities of Ephesus, Magnesia, Philadelphia, Tralles, Smyrna, and Rome along with one addressed to his friend Polycarp. These letters were read publicly and were used to encourage the faithful. In one of his letters he said: "I am God's grain, and I am ground by the teeth of wild beasts, that I may be found pure bread."

He was killed in the Coliseum in Rome by two lions during a pagan festival between the years 107-117.

Cardinal John Newman said of Ignatius that his writings contain the whole system of Catholic doctrine. His major themes were the hierarchy of the Church, the preeminent role of the Bishop, the role of Priests and Deacons and the universality of the Church. Ignatius also taught about Mary, the Trinity and the Eucharist.

Ignatius is the first believed to call the Church Catholic. This is notable being from Antioch where Scripture records is the first place that followers of Jesus are called Christians.

Finally, Ignatius teachings and writings are the basis for the teaching of the four marks of the Catholic Church: one, holy, catholic and apostolic.

His feast day is today, October 17th. St. Ignatius of Antioch, pray for us.