A portrait of St. Ignatius of Antioch
St. Ignatius of Antioch
c. 35 – c. 107
Feast
October 17 · II c.
Patron of
Church unity · Bishops · Martyrs
Order
Bishop / Apostolic Father / Martyr
Syrian bishop and martyr (c. 35-c. 107), third bishop of Antioch (after St. Peter and St. Evodius), traditionally a disciple of John the Apostle; arrested under Trajan and sent to Rome to be killed by beasts in the Colosseum. On the journey wrote seven letters to local churches and St. Polycarp that are foundational documents of post-apostolic Christianity, attesting the threefold ministry, the Eucharist, and Roman primacy. Pre-Congregation.
Life & Times
Born: c. 35 · Died: c. 107 · From: Syria / Antioch / Rome.
Patronage
St. Ignatius of Antioch is invoked as the patron of church unity, bishops, martyrs. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“I am God's wheat, and I am ground by the teeth of wild beasts that I may become the pure bread of Christ.”— Letter to the Romans, written on his way to martyrdom in Rome (c. 107 AD)
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Ignatius of Antioch, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.