Polycarp: Bishop and Martyr

[ChiefScott]

I got this e-mail from my Catholic chaplain today. Who’ a thunk our little Polycarp coul be so…

Saint Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna and a disciple of the apostles, accompanied Saint Ignatius of Antioch to Rome to confer with Pope Anicetus concerning the celebration of Easter. About the year 155 he suffered martyrdom by burning at the stake in the ampitheater at Smyrna.
"When the pyre was ready, Polycarp took off all his clothes and loosened his undergarment. He made an effort also to remove his shoes, though he had been unaccustomed to this, for the faithful always vied with one another in their haste to touch his body. Even before his martyrdom he had received every mark of honor in tribute to his holiness of life.
"There and then he was surrounded by the material for the pyre. When they tried to fasten him also with nails, he said: ‘Leave me as I am. The one who gives me strength to endure the fire will also give me strength to stay quite still on the pyre, even without the precaution of your nails.’ So they did not fix him to the pyre with nails but only fastened him instead. Bound as he was, with hands behind his back, he stood like a mighty ram, chosen out for sacrifice from a great flock, a worthy victim made ready to be offered to God.
"Looking up to heaven he said: 'Lord, almighty God, Father of your beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, through whom we have come to the knowledge of yourself, God of angels, of powers, of all creation, of all the race of saints who live in your sight, I bless you for judging me worthy of this day, this hour, so that in the company of the martyrs I may share the cup of Christ, your anointed one, and so rise again to eternal life in soul and body, immortal through the power of the Holy Spirit…
“When he had said ‘Amen’ and finished the prayer, the officials of the pyre lit it.”

Vieing to touch his body? Our esteemed collegue?
I can see why they lit the pyre!

[Sassy]

I have Polycarp’s Day on my calendar… here’s to the sainted one among us.