Saint Ignatius of Antioch was born in Syria but converted to Christianity. He eventually became a bishop of Antioch. But in 107, the Emperor ruling then forced the Christians to deny their faith or face death. Saint Ignatius refused to deny his faith and was condemned to be put to death.
Saint Ignatius was well known due to the seven letters he wrote during his trip to Rome as a prisoner. The letters encourage Christians to remain faithful. The letters have been cited as source of knowledge of the Christian church during the start of the 2nd century.
In his final letter, he pleads that his martyrdom should not be stopped in Rome. He wrote, “The only thing I ask of you is to allow me to offer the libation of my blood to God. I am the wheat of the Lord; may I be ground by the teeth of the beasts to become the immaculate bread of Christ.” Ignatius bravely faced his death.
