Merciful - Showed mercy to others in their life even if they had wronged them
Merciful - to show mercy; show patience, kindness and self - control
To fulfill this criteria the saint must have shown mercy to others - even if they had wronged them or angered them in some way. This criteria is extremely important for WYD 2016 as the theme is:
How does St. Polycarp fulfil this criteria?
St. Polycarp never failed to show mercy, being patient with those that disagreed with him and having great self - control. He never intentionally lashed out physically or verbally at others for revenge. Even when his captors came to take him, he was merciful, inviting them inside his house, offering them food and only asking for an hour for prayer. He showed everyone he had ever met mercy, right up until his last breath - never cursing or wishing bad against the procounsel or the soldiers. Saint Polycarp only ever wanted to help others and forgave them when they had done something that offended him or his beliefs. As a result of his mercifulness, patience and forgiveness he showed towards all he completely fulfils this third criteria.