MEMORIAL – JUNE 28
While Irenaeus is known for his powerful writings, there is little known about his life. He was born in the second century in Asia Minor. It was here that he heard the preaching of St. Polycarp who was discipled by St. John the Apostle. Irenaeus became a priest in Lyons in the province of Gaul and was eventually named Bishop after spending time in Rome. He wrote continuously against gnostic heresies and his treatises were circulated throughout the Roman Empire. He died at the beginning of the 3rd century and may have been martyred. He was proclaimed a doctor of the church in 2022 by Pope Francis.
