Determination – Was determined to do what was right and follow God under any circumstance.
Determination - firmness of purpose; to be resolute
This is the first criteria that the saint must satisfy in order to become the patron saint for World Youth Day 2016. To fulfill this criteria the saint must have been determined to do what was right even when consequences awaited; even those as worse as death. The saint must have shown this determination throughout their lives, never failing to give in to evil or temptation. There must be at least one instance evidenced.
Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." - John 14:23 -
How does St. Polycarp fulfil this criteria?
Saint Polycarp most definitely fulfills this criteria. It was him who was bound to a stake and first burned but when the fire failed to touch him, stabbed to death, all because he was determined not to say anything against his religion and God. When he was captured and taken to be killed he was given an ultimatum. He was told that if he said, "Away with the atheists" (meaning Christians) then he would be allowed to leave unharmed. Polycarp knew that this would be against the will of God and all of his beliefs and preachings. He knew this and was determined to do what was right saying, “It is unthinkable for me to repent from what is good to turn to what is evil. I will be glad though to be changed from evil to righteousness... You threaten me with fire which burns for an hour, and is then extinguished, but you know nothing of the fire of the coming judgment and eternal punishment, reserved for the ungodly. Why are you waiting? Bring on whatever you want.” His great determination is clearly evident and as a result of this, it can be seen that Saint Polycarp completely fulfills this first criteria.