Brought to Rome under Trajan, Ignatius was surrendered to lions to be eaten, completing his martyrdom around the year 107. His remains were carefully collected by the faithful and taken to Antioch. Known as the God-bearer, Ignatius carried God within himself and was filled with love for Him. In his Epistle to the Romans, he expressed his desire for martyrdom, stating, “I am the wheat of God, and am ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found to be the pure bread of God.”
Ignatius earned the title of “the God-bearer” because he always held the name of the Living God in his heart and on his lips. Legend has it that he was named so because he was held by God Incarnate, Jesus Christ. As a disciple of St. John the Theologian, Ignatius learned humility from Jesus, who used a child as an example to teach his disciples. Later, Ignatius became the Bishop of Antioch and introduced antiphonal chanting in the Church.
When Emperor Trajan demanded Ignatius to sacrifice to the idols, the saint refused and was sent to Rome to face martyrdom. Despite the emperor’s threats, Ignatius remained steadfast in his faith. In Rome, he was thrown to the lions in the circus and met a heroic death, becoming a symbol of unwavering devotion to Christ. His miracles and intercessions continue to inspire believers to this day.