Saint of the day for February 23: the story of San Policarpo

Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, disciple of St. John the Apostle and friend of St. Ignatius of Antioch, he was a revered Christian leader during the first half of the second century.

St. Ignatius, on his way to Rome to be martyred, visited Polycarp in Smyrna, and later wrote him a personal letter in Troas. The Churches of Asia Minor have recognized Polycarp's leadership choosing him as a representative to discuss with Pope Anicetus the date of the celebration of Easter in Rome, one of the main controversies in the early Church.

Only one of the many letters written by Polycarp survives, the one he wrote to the Church of Philippi in Macedonia.

At 86, Polycarp was taken to the crowded Smyrna stadium to be burned alive. The flames didn't hurt him and he was eventually killed by a dagger. The centurion ordered the saint's body burned. The "Acts" of the martyrdom of Polycarp are the first preserved and fully reliable account of the death of a Christian martyr. He died in 155.

Reflection: Polycarp was recognized as a Christian leader by all Christians in Asia Minor, a strong fortress of faith and loyalty to Jesus Christ. His own strength emerged from his trust in God, even when events have contradicted this trust. Living among the pagans and under a government contrary to the new religion, he led and fed his flock. Like the Good Shepherd, he gave his life for his sheep and kept them away from further persecution in Smyrna. He summed up his trust in God shortly before he died: “Father… I bless you, for making me worthy of the day and hour…” (Acts of Martyrdom, chapter 14).