The name Ignatius is associated with the Latin word ignis, meaning “fire.” This association reflects his defining characteristic: he was filled with the fire of the Holy Spirit and burned with love for God.
Saint Ignatius knew the apostles and was a disciple of Saint John, the beloved disciple of Jesus. According to tradition, he was the child whom the Lord Jesus took in his arms, saying:
“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.”
Saint Ignatius was also given the name Theophorus, meaning “God-bearer.”
He succeeded Evodius as bishop of the great city of Antioch.
Emperor Trajan sought to revive the worship of the pagan gods and compel Christians to offer sacrifices to idols. Saint Ignatius boldly confronted the emperor, recognizing that the hour he had long awaited had finally arrived.
After hours of debate, Trajan condemned him to be bound in chains and taken to Rome, where he would be thrown to wild beasts for the entertainment of the crowds.
Ignatius cried out with joy:
“I thank you, Lord, for counting me worthy of this honour, granting me to be bound for your sake with chains of iron, like your apostle Paul.”
During the journey, the man of God was permitted to make brief stops. Representatives of the local Churches came to comfort him and receive his blessing. Among them were Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, and the Bishop of Ephesus.
Saint Ignatius also had the opportunity to write letters to several Churches in Asia Minor.
Seven of these letters have come down to us. They are considered treasures among the writings of the early Church Fathers, for they are filled with the Spirit of the Lord, unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, and profound zeal for the Church.
The most remarkable of these letters, distinguished by its sincerity, spiritual fervour, and depth, is his Letter to the Romans.
Saint Ignatius wrote his letters after having fully and joyfully accepted the prospect of shedding his blood as a martyr for the Lord Jesus.
His words reflect the spirit of the Gospel, particularly the letters of Saint Paul, whom he greatly loved. They reveal the presence of the Holy Spirit, who filled his heart and inspired his teaching.
At last, the soldiers arrived with Saint Ignatius on the outskirts of Rome.
The magistrate ordered that the man of God be brought into the amphitheatre and thrown to the wild beasts.
The saint entered the arena with steadfast faith and joy. For him, this was the long-awaited opportunity to become a true disciple of Christ.
He advanced towards the beasts as though he were crossing the threshold of the Kingdom of Heaven.
He then spoke his famous words:
“Allow me to be food for the wild beasts, through whom I may attain to God. I am the wheat of God, and I am ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found the pure bread of Christ.”
The beasts rushed upon him and devoured him.
After his martyrdom, the faithful gathered his remains and brought them back to Antioch, where they were laid in a tomb.
His relics were later transferred to the cathedral of Antioch. According to tradition, they were taken to Rome in the year 637 and placed in the Basilica of San Clemente.
Among his famous sayings:
“Allow me to be food for the wild beasts, through whom I may attain to God. I am the wheat of God, and I am ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found the pure bread of Christ.”
