CrucisSt. Ignatius of Antioch
St. Ignatius of Antioch was born around the year 35 and died a martyr at Rome around 108. He was bishop of Antioch in Syria — one of the earliest and most important Christian centers — and according to ancient tradition was a disciple of the Apostles, possibly of St. John. He belongs to the Apostolic Fathers, the first generation of Church leaders after the Apostles themselves.
Condemned to death for his faith, he was taken under guard from Antioch to Rome, and along the way wrote seven letters to various churches that are among the most precious documents of the early Church. In them he bears powerful witness to belief in the Eucharist as the true Body of Christ, to the authority of the bishop, and to the unity of the Church — and he is the first known writer to call it the 'Catholic Church.' Longing to imitate Christ's sacrifice, he was martyred by wild beasts in the arena at Rome.
Selected quotes
“Where division enters, God withdraws; make every effort to preserve unity of spirit, for it is the very atmosphere in which the love of Christ breathes and thrives.”
“Let your deeds be your testimony; there are many who make the profession of faith, but few whose lives make the profession credible to those watching.”
“It is not enough to be called a Christian — one must also be found to be one; the name without the life is a lamp without oil, bright in title and dark in fact.”