The Feast of St Polycarp

Today the Church celebrates the bishop and martyr of the early Church, St. Polycarp. He was a disciple of St. John and bishop of Smyrna. He was martyred by fire and a detailed description of his martyrdom can be read here.
After he was killed, the Faithful gathered up his bones to be venerated. As early as 155 AD, we have documentation that relics of the saints were being carefully collected and kept.

From the martyrdom of St. Polycarp:

"The centurion then, seeing the strife excited by the Jews, placed the body in the midst of the fire, and consumed it. Accordingly, we afterwards took up his bones, as being more precious than the most exquisite jewels, and more purified than gold, and deposited them in a fitting place, whither, being gathered together, as opportunity is allowed us, with joy and rejoicing, the Lord shall grant us to celebrate the anniversary of his martyrdom, both in memory of those who have already finished their course, and for the exercising and preparation of those yet to walk in their steps."


St. Polycarp, intercede for us that we will be courageous to proclaim the gospel during our life and faithful to Christ in our death as you were.