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Lifelong Catechesis

Forming Catholic identity across generations
November 09, 2024
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Ordinary Time

For a large part of the liturgical year, we devote ourselves to listening to the mystery of Christ in all its aspects unfolded as we seek God's truth and understanding.

Saint of the Week

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Justin, Martyr

Justin, a layman, was the first great theologian of Christianity and a number of his lengthy writings remain with us today. Born of Greco-Roman parents, Justin received the best liberal education available in his day. He studied rhetoric, history, poetry, and was especially interested in philosophy. But none of the philosophers whom he studied seemed to have exactly what he was looking for. He was a convert to Christianity and became one of its chief spokespersons of his day.

Traveling to various lands, Justin debated with pagan philosophers, heretics, and Jews. Eventually, he came to Rome where he argued in public with a Cynic named Crescens. Having bested Crescens in the debate, Justin earned his hatred. Crescens denounced Justin as a Christian and Justin, together with six other Christians, was brought before the Roman prefect, Rusticus, for trial. After admitting his Christianity and refusing to sacrifice to the Roman gods, Justin and the others were condemned to torture and death.

Justin searched for a time before finding God. Once he had found God, he kept the faith even to death. Although martyrdom may not be the fate of any of us, we should be prepared to defend our faith at any given moment.