Born in Syria in the first century, St. Ignatius courageously led the Church during an era when temporal powers embraced paganism. When the emperor demanded to be called “Lord and God,” Ignatius encouraged the Church to refrain from this blasphemous worship – and was arrested for his defiance. After enduring a brutal march to Rome, he was thrown to the lions in the Colosseum and martyred in 107.
Yet even as he was led to his execution, Ignatius labored tirelessly to exhort the Church, writing letters to the churches at Ephesus, Rome, and others along the way. Today, his wisdom continues to inspire the faithful, offering encouragement about honoring Christ, enduring suffering, and living in love. As we celebrate his memorial on October 17, we invite you to reflect on eight of his most insightful quotes.
The Faith of the Christian
“Have a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ and love Him. That is the beginning and end of life: faith the beginning and love the end. When the two are united you have God. Everything else that has to do with real goodness is dependent on faith and love.”
“Let no one be puffed up by his rank, for faith and love are everything, and nothing is more precious than these.”
“Don’t have Jesus Christ on your lips and the world in your hearts.”
“A Christian is not his own master, since all his time belongs to God.”
Christian Suffering
“Of no use will be to me the farthest reaches of the universe or the kingdoms of this world. I would rather die and come to Jesus Christ than be king over the entire earth.”
“Train hard together: wrestle together, run together, suffer together, rest together, rise together, as stewards in God’s house, members of His household, and His servants. Win the approval of the One in whose ranks you serve and from whom you draw your pay. Let none of you turn deserter.
Let your baptism be your arms; your faith, your helmet; your love, your spear; your endurance, your armor. Let your good works be your deposits from your soldier’s wages, so that you may receive back all that you have been careful to save.”
Honoring Christ in Our Lives
“Be eager for more frequent gatherings for thanksgiving to God and His glory. For when we meet in this way, the forces of Satan are rendered powerless, and his destructive power is cancelled in the concord of your faith.”
“Your accord and harmonious love is a hymn to Jesus Christ.”
Sources:
A Dictionary of Quotes from the Saints, Paul Thigpen.
Butler’s Lives of Saints, ed. Bernard Bangley
“St. Ignatius of Antioch,” Catholic News Agency.
“Saint Ignatius of Antioch,” Franciscan Media.
Speech of Pope Benedict XVI given on March 14, 2007, The Vatican.