Do you ever wonder who was the first person to call the community Jesus established the “Catholic Church”? It was St. Ignatius of Antioch. It was his way of explaining that the Church was open to anyone who wanted to be a follower of Jesus.
Because Ignatius lived so long ago, we know very little about his early life. Tradition tells us that he was a disciple of St. John the Evangelist, who was the first bishop of Antioch. Ignatius was the second. As a bishop, Ignatius was like a shepherd, gently leading his people to understand the teachings of the Apostles and to put those beliefs into practice correctly.
In the year 107, the cruel Emperor Trajan demanded that Bishop Ignatius publicly speak out against our faith. Ignatius refused to deny his belief in Jesus Christ. Trajan sentenced him to die in Rome, far from Antioch. He wanted to make an example of this holy man.
Ten soldiers were assigned to guard him on the long trip. Bishop Ignatius used the time to write seven letters. The letters reminded the members of the Church to be faithful to the Lord and to follow the teachings of their bishop. They encourage the Christian community to serve the poor and needy—their brothers and sisters. Ignatius’ letters have been preserved down through the ages. They still guide our Church today.
As Ignatius and his guards journeyed to Rome, they were met at different places by the local bishop and many members of the Christian community who came to honor him. It is said that he blessed everyone and told them he would pray for them.
Ignatius was not afraid to die. He said that his death would be his birth—into the new life made possible by Jesus’ Resurrection.
The Church honors Ignatius of Antioch as a saint. We can pray to St. Ignatius and ask him to help us grow in the faith that has been handed down to us from the Apostles.
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