February 23

St. Polycarp

The Bishop of Smyrna and a direct disciple of St. John the Apostle, martyred around 155 AD at approximately 86 years old. When commanded to renounce Christ he replied: "Eighty-six years I have served him, and he never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?" His martyrdom account is one of the oldest outside the New Testament.

Why it matters for your parish: A living link to the apostolic age — Polycarp knew John personally. His famous last words are among the most quoted in all martyrology. Powerful content for February.

Graphics for this saint are coming soon.