Saint of the Day

St. Ignatius of Antioch

Saturday, October 17, 2026

Saint Ignatius of Antioch was one of the earliest bishops of the Catholic Church, a disciple of Saint John the Apostle, and a courageous martyr whose writings continue to defend the Catholic faith nearly 2,000 years later. As Bishop of Antioch, Ignatius helped guide the early Christian community during a period of Roman persecution. Around 107 A.D., he was arrested and sent to Rome to face execution. During his journey, he wrote seven extraordinary letters defending the authority of bishops, the unity of the Church, and the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. Knowing that wild beasts awaited him, Ignatius wrote: “I am God's wheat, and I shall be ground by the teeth of beasts, that I may become the pure bread of Christ.” According to tradition, Ignatius was martyred by wild animals in Rome, surrendering his life rather than denying Jesus Christ. Saint Ignatius of Antioch reminds us that the Catholic faith was handed down through generations of believers willing to sacrifice everything for Christ. Subscribe to Catholic Voices and Prayers and turn on notifications for more powerful stories of the saints and the Catholic faith.