St. Polycarp

Started briefly on Berkeley, Saturday, February 14, 2026 7:02 PM [But updated on February 15].

Brief, and likely, shallow, nine to ten days of prayer in honor to a Saint, it is not enough to know him or her. Yet, I always wonder and admire those people who has preserved the faith with their talents and lived it with their actions.

Fulton Sheen said there have been many deaths and resurrections since Christ. I do not know exactly how to interpret it, beyond literally. I hope I am quoting it right. I am doing by memory. But here we have the case of a giant figure of the Church, who I am just learning about. A disciple of Saint John the evangelist. Bishop of Smyrna. Probably, Saint John referred to him in the book of Revelation 2:8-11. A martyr. Then, I understand a death, and yet resurrection. He was killed in the year 155 AD. We remember him today, 1971 years later. Is that also resurrection? A seed must die on the ground so several new plants would grow. I would check this last sentence reference closely from somewhere in the bible, and from probably the last speech of Monseñor Romero?

Viva Saint Polycarp.

He wrote an epistle to the Philippians.

Memorial day: February 23

Day 1. February 15. A giant Apostolic Father, from whom I shall know more. Friend of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, also from whom I shall know more. Bishop Polycarp was born, probably in Smyrna in 69 AD. The Lord, Jesus, passed away on April 3, 33 AD around 3 PM [according to [1]]. So Saint Polycarp was born 36 years after our Lord was alive. Smyrna was located in current Izmir, Turkey, which is about 650 mi way from Jerusalem by boat or about 950 miles by land. How Christianity expanded that quick. That is a work of the Lord. Then, also thank you to this giant, Saint Polycarp.

In the days that Bishop Polycarp was persecuted. He went to farm-house. Spent his time in prayer, and while praying he felt into a trance three days before his apprehension. He saw his pillow burning with fire. Then he turned and said to his companions, it must be that I shall be burned alive. He say the Will of God Will Be Done and went to meet his pursuers. [2] [I transcribed parts of this text from the second reference below, from the new advent]

I am searching for his famous prayer at His martydom.

Ok. Well read this letter [3]. I will keep learning. It seems that he was not injured by the fire. I will start typing the prayer below and keep adding to this text as I learn more about him during this novena.

Day 2. February 16. Is this my refuge? Might be. And I am, probably, holding back in another posts. Or holding off? Well, if one fully lives for the Lord with all the heart, all the mind, and all the spirit, praying and not telling to the left hand the good works that the right hand does, I might not be wondering on the internet. Apologies, Bishop Polycarp. You, of course, were one of the early examples of a man of God. Not worried about worldly deeds. I see that there is a film about you. That already is plenty. How life works. The Holy Spirit acts through the self?

I was learning that a prayer is not necessarily ones prayer, but the ability to listen to heart, mind, and soul to God, and so we are able through the Spirt to create those words. I paraphrased quite a bit what I learned.

The first prayer was your prayer, the one below, I will write it now, because I should do it that often.

Days 3 to feast (day 9). Pray the The Prayer of Polycarp.

The Prayer of Polycarp [3]

When Bishop Polycarp was about to burned alive. He looked up to heaven, and said:

"O Lord God Almighty, the father of your beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, by whom we have received the knowledge of You, the God of angels and powers, and of every creature, and of the whole race of the righteous who live before you, I give You thanks that You have counted me, worthy of this hour, that I should have a part in the number of Your martyrs, in the cup of your Christ, to the resurrection of eternal life, both of soul and body, through the incorruption [imparted] by the Holy Ghost. Among who may I be accepted this day before You as a fat and acceptable sacrifice, according as You, the ever-truthful God, have foreordained, have revealed beforehand to me, and now have fulfilled. Wherefore also I praise You for all things, I bless You, glorify You, along with the everlasting and heavenly Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son, with whom, to You, and the Holy Ghost, be glory both now and to all coming ages." Amen

Lord, guide me to glorify You on each of my hours and works. This life is beyond me. Please forgive me my sins. I pray for those who attempt to harm me in any way. Grant me the courage to face each single of the conflicts. Please provide me wisdom to stay focused in the mist of all the noise that exists.

Lord, open my lips to praise your holy name. Cleanse my heart of any worthless, evil or distracting thoughts. Give me the wisdom and love necessary to pray this Office with attention, reverence and devotion. Father, let my prayer be heard in your presence, for it is offered through Christ our Lord. Amen [4]

References

1. https://penelope.uchicago.edu/encyclopaedia_romana/calendar/jesus.html
2. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12219b.htm
3. https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0102.htm
4. Christian Prayer: The Liturgy of The Hours, 1976 [Improve reference].