Saint Ignatius of Antioch

<p>Very little is known about the early life of Ignatius. He is believed to have been a convert to Christianity and a disciple of John the Evangelist. Bishop of Antioch for 40 years, he was arrested during the persecution under Trajan, condemned for confessing Christ and taken in chains to Rome. The ship in which he was sent travelled along the coast of Asia Minor and at every port crowds of Christians would greet him. While on this journey, Ignatius dictated seven letters on Church matters which are counted among the treasures of early Christianity. Ignatius arrived in Rome about the year 107 and was taken directly to the amphitheatre where lions devoured him.<br /></p>
<p>©2011 <em>Living with Christ, </em>Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., <strong>http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/</strong&gt;. Reprinted with permission.</p>