Crossed The Tiber

An Evangelical Converts to Catholicism

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Location: Pennsylvania, United States

I was born into the Catholic faith. At 14, I was "born again" and found Jesus personally but lost His Church. After thirty years as an evangelical protestant, I have come full circle to find that He has been there all the time, in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I wish others to find the beauty and truth of the Catholic faith as I have found.

Monday, February 23, 2009

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.

1 Comments:

Blogger George Weis said...

I have SO enjoyed the Story of His Martyrdom as I read it in Eusebius. I was simply moved by his gentle spirit, kindness to enemies, wisdom, boldness and steadfastness. He knew the fire awaited Him, and yet a miracle happened that day! WOW!

Christ be honored and praised!

I also love the story of Blandina and the other martyrs surrounding that particular event. Amazing and encouraging stuff!

-g-

February 23, 2009 10:26 PM  

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