10/17/2026
Today, the Church celebrates one of her earliest martyrs. St. Ignatius of Antioch was the Patriarch of Antioch, and died in Rome. Oral and written traditions indicate he was either a direct disciple of St. John the Apostle or a disciple of John through a connection to St. Polycarp. When we read Ignatius' letters, there is a strong sense that he knows who he is in Christ Jesus, and what his role is. He's a great example of an early bishop who did his best to "hold fast to the traditions" that were passed onto him, "whether by word of mouth or by letter." -2 Thessalonians 2:15. May we do the same here at St. Catherine
