Saint Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr – Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, was a leader of the second generation of Christians. He was a disciple of the apostle John and friend of Ignatius of Antioch, who visited him while journeying to martyrdom in Rome. Martyred for his faith, he is one of the Fathers of the early Church.
Source: Living With Christ, February 2019
Prayer to St. Polycarp
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.