Saint Polycarp

Polycarp was a disciple of St. John the Evangelist, he became a priest and later was made Bishop of Smyrna which is now Turkey.  Polycarp was a very faithful follower of Jesus, who helped lead the new Catholic Church in the direction of Jesus' teachings.  The people of Smyrna loved their Bishop and he lead many people to Christ with his  humble service.  At the age of 86, in the year 156 AD, he was arrested and brought to Rome to be put to death for his beliefs.  He was told to give up his faith but he refused and he faced death by praising Jesus and asking that he could be with Jesus in Heaven.  They tried to burn him with fire but the flames raged on either side of him but would not burn him.  Since he wasn't being touched by the fire, they stabbed him and his blood put out the fire. St. Polycarp bravely served Jesus in both his life and his death as a martyr for Christ.