In A.D. 64 more than half of Rome burned to the ground. The Emperor Nero, blaming it on the Christians began the first major persecution of the Church by the State. These persecutions would last, on and off, till 313 A.D. with the Edict of Milan, which finally legalized Christianity.

Three particularly heroic martyrs of the early Church were St. Polycarp, St. Ignatius, and St. Lawrence.

St. Polycarp

St. Polycarp, Bishop of the Church, lived about A.D. 69-155. When the Roman officials came to arrested him he said, “The will of God be done.” He was taken to the stadium and threatened with death by wild beasts, fire, and every torture possible. Even with the threat of death, St. Polycarp had no fear, putting his entire trust in the Lord, responding, “You threaten fire which burns for an hour and is soon quenched; for you are ignorant of the fire of the coming judgment and eternal punishment reserved for the wicked. But why do you wait? Come, do what you will!”

Our hero readily removed his garments and willingly set himself upon the pyre not being nailed but only bound by rope. The fire, “like the sail of a ship filled by the wind made a wall round the body.” Those who witnessed this miracle also smelled a fragrant odor like the scent of incense or some other precious spice. When the pagans saw that his body could not be consumed by fire, they ordered the executioner to plunge a dagger into him. When he did this, a large quantity of blood came out- so much that it quenched the fire.

St. Ignatius

St. Ignatius was the Bishop of Antioch, being the ideal pastor and true soldier of Christ. In the reign of Emperor Trajan, a general persecution was threatened if the Christians would not unite with their pagan neighbors in the worships of the gods. St. Ignatius, defending his flock, zealously spoke out against these practices.

He made it his special care to defend “orthodoxy” (right teaching) and “orthopraxy” (right practice) among the early Christians. He was dedicated to defending the true teaching handed down by the Apostles so that the brothers and sisters in the early Christian communities would never be led astray by false teaching. He urged them to always listen to their Bishops because they were the successors of the Apostles. Eventually he was taken to Rome where he was devoured by two lions.

St. Lawrence

St. Lawrence was a deacon under Pope St. Sixtus II. He was martyred under the persecution of Emperor Valerian. Once again even when threatened with death, the saint stood strong in the face of imminent danger. He was so prepared to go to his death for Our Lord that as he was being grilled on a great gridiron, with coals beneath it, he cheerfully remarked, “It is well done. Turn me over!”

This would not be the last time Christians would have to be martyred for their faith. The Church has many enemies; from individuals to entire societies, and she will continue to have them till the end of time. Jesus prophesied this when he said, “And you shall be hated by all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved.” (Matthew 10:22)

Whether it be the evils of the Roman persecutions, the Protestant Rebellion, the French Revolution, the Communist uprising, or of our Modern apathy and atheism, the Church will endure. We must also persevere to the end, growing in virtue, being joyful and willing to offer everything up for Him who gave the ultimate sacrifice for us. We have many examples to inspire us. Let us not be afraid, having confidence and taking heed from those who came before us.

Sts. Polycarp, Ignatius, and Lawrence, pray for us.

Viva Cristo Rey!