Celebrating St. Ignatius of Antioch

Ignatius of Antioch, also called “Theophoros”, meaning “God-bearer”, was an early martyr, who is known from the seven letters he wrote to various churches in Asia Minor on his way to martyrdom in Rome. The text of these letters has come down to us. He is especially noted for his strong theology of the humanity of Jesus and his presence in the Eucharist. He also promoted the role of the bishop as a figure of unity in the Church.

St. Ignatius coined a Prayer for Martyrdom which is listed below. 

I am the wheat of God, and am ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found the pure bread of God.... I long after the Lord, the Son of the true God and Father, Jesus Christ. Him I seek, who died for us and rose again.... I am eager to die for the sake of Christ. My love has been crucified, and there is no fire in me that loves anything. But there is living water springing up in me, and it says to me inwardly: Come to the Father.

Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr