Saint Polycarp
Bishop, Martyr
(70-167)
Saint Polycarp
Saint
Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, was a disciple of Saint John. He wrote to
the Philippians, exhorting them to mutual love and to hatred of heresy.
When the apostate Marcion met Saint Polycarp at Rome, he asked the aged
Saint if he knew him. Yes, Saint Polycarp answered, I know you for the
first-born of Satan. These were the words of a Saint, most loving and
most charitable, and specially noted for his compassion to sinners. He
abhorred heresy, because he loved God and man so well.
In
167 persecution broke out in Smyrna. When Polycarp heard that his
pursuers were at the door, he said, The Will of God be done; and meeting
them, he begged to be left alone for a little time, which he spent in
prayer for the Catholic Church throughout the world. He was brought to
Smyrna early on Holy Saturday;
and as he entered, a voice was heard from heaven, Polycarp, be strong.
When the proconsul urged him to curse Christ and go free, Polycarp
answered, Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He never did me wrong;
how can I blaspheme my King and Saviour? When he threatened him with
fire, Polycarp told him this fire of his lasted but a short time, while
the fire prepared for the wicked lasted forever.
At
the stake he thanked God aloud for letting him drink of Christ's
chalice. The fire was lighted, but it did him no harm; therefore he was
stabbed to the heart, and his dead body was burnt. Then, say the writers
of his acts, we took up the bones, more precious than the richest
jewels or gold, and deposited them in a fitting place, at which may God
grant us to assemble with joy, to celebrate the birthday of the martyr
to his life in heaven!
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