Ignatius of Antioch

Saint Ignatius of Antioch was born in the ancient city of Antioch in Syria, though the details of his early life are largely hidden from us. Ancient tradition says he embraced the faith while still young and, with his friend Polycarp, learned as a disciple of the Apostle John. Chosen to shepherd the Church of Antioch as bishop, Ignatius became known as Theophorus, “the God-bearer,” a title that reflects his burning love for Christ and his desire to carry the Lord within his heart and into the life of the Church. Condemned for the name of Jesus, he was sent in chains from Syria to Rome to face martyrdom. Along the way he was permitted to meet Christian communities, and from this journey came his treasured letters—among the earliest witnesses to Christian faith—speaking with clarity about the Eucharist, the unity of the Church, and the vital role of bishops. He longed to be “ground like wheat” for Christ, and tradition holds that he died in Rome, thrown to wild beasts. He is honored as patron of Son Servera and Uruñuela. His feast day is December 20.