St. Polycarp Novena Prayers

St. Polycarp is honored as a steadfast early Christian martyr and bishop, known for his unwavering faith and dedication to preserving the teachings of the Apostles.

About St. Polycarp

St. Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, disciple of Saint John the Apostle and friend of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, was a revered Christian leader during the first half of the second century.

Saint Ignatius, on his way to Rome to be martyred, visited Polycarp at Smyrna, and later at Troas wrote him a personal letter. The Asia Minor Churches recognized Polycarp’s leadership by choosing him as a representative to discuss with Pope Anicetus the date of the Easter celebration in Rome—a major controversy in the early Church.

Only one of the many letters written by Polycarp has been preserved, the one he wrote to the Church of Philippi in Macedonia.

At 86, Polycarp was led into the crowded Smyrna stadium to be burned alive. The flames did not harm him and he was finally killed by a dagger. The centurion ordered the saint’s body burned. The “Acts” of Polycarp’s martyrdom are the earliest preserved, fully reliable account of a Christian martyr’s death. He died in 155.

Why Pray the St. Polycarp Novena?

St. Polycarp does not have an official patronage, but he is a great saint to seek intercession from in many circumstances.

You can ask St. Polycarp to pray for you if you are facing persecution for your Faith, since he endured persecution for his Faith and was ultimately martyred. Or you can ask him to pray for someone you know who is suffering persecution for their Faith.

St. Polycarp is also a great saint to seek intercession from on behalf of Church leaders, since he was a holy bishop who did a lot to combat heresy and to lead the Church well.

Pray this St. Polycarp Novena for your intentions asking St. Polycarp to intercede to God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

You can pray the St. Polycarp Novena for any intention!

St. Polycarp Novena Day 1

Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

God of all creation, you gave your bishop Polycarp the privilege of being counted among the saints who gave their lives in faithful witness to the gospel. May his prayers give us the courage to share with him the cup of suffering and to rise to eternal glory. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen

(Mention your request here…)

St. Polycarp, pray for us.