Monday, June 28, 2010

Memorial of Saint Irenaeus

Today the church celebrates Saint Irenaeus; a second century Christian who played a prominent role in spreading the Catholic faith. He was born in 130 and became a disciple of Saint Polycarp. It is believed that Polycarp was a follower of the last Apostle, John. In learning from Polycarp, Irenaues received firsthand the wisdom of the Apostles. After studying in Smyrna; Irenaeus went to what is noow known as France, at Lyons. He was ordained a priest in 1977. Not long after he became a Bishop of Lyons.

When the Gnostics began to try and influence the Church, it was Irenaeus that fought bravely against their teachings. A man of great peace, he devoutly defended the faith. He wrote a very famous treatise called Against Heresies.

For his efforts, his enemies killed him around the year 200.

Even to this day, the Church remembers Irenaeus as a true defender of the Church while promoting peace and unity.

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