St. Polycarp of Smyrna

Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna is looked to as one of the great martyrs of the second and third-generation Church. A number of the stories associated with him is that it was he who was lifted up by our Lord as a model of child-like discipleship. It certainly makes sense, for Polycarp remained child-like to his death, converting through mere love his captors. It was Polycarp who did not need bindings to remain on a fiery pyre. May we be emboldened by his witness this day.

The ancient witness concerning this venerable saint may be found here.