St. Ignatius of Antioch was an early bishop and martyr whose letters offer a powerful witness to unity, the Eucharist, and fidelity to Christ. Catholics ask his intercession for courage under trial and deeper communion with the Church.
Begin PrayingMore about St. Ignatius of Antioch
Ignatius served as bishop of Antioch near the beginning of the second century. After his arrest under Roman authority, he was taken under guard toward Rome for execution. During the journey he wrote seven letters to Christian communities and to St. Polycarp. These writings show the faith of the early Church in Jesus Christ as true God and true man, the real gift of Christ in the Eucharist, and the ministry of the bishop, priests, and deacons in the unity of the local Church.
Ignatius expected to die in the arena and spoke of martyrdom as a final act of discipleship. Ancient tradition holds that he was killed by wild beasts in Rome. His letters warn against division and false teaching while calling Christians to charity and steadfast faith. This novena asks that his intercession help the faithful remain united to Christ and His Church when fear, pressure, or conflict tests their commitment.
