Feast Day of St. Polycarp
Bishop and Martyr“Polycarp was a disciple of St. John the Apostle and recognized as a Christian leader by all Asia Minor Christians—a strong fortress of faith and loyalty to Jesus Christ. His own strength emerged from his trust in God, even when events contradicted this trust. Living among pagans and under a government opposed to the new religion, he led and fed his flock. Like the Good Shepherd, he laid down his life for his sheep and kept them from more persecution in Smyrna. He summarized his trust in God just before he died: ‘Father… I bless Thee, for having made me worthy of the day and the hour…’ (Acts of Martyrdom, Chapter 14).”
St. Polycarp, pray for us.