Why should St. Polycarp be the Patron Saint for WYD 2016?
Here's Why!
Saint Polycarp: A Christian, a bishop, a martyr, a saint....
a great example to the youth of the world...
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The are many strong reasons as to why Saint Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, would be an extremely suitable patron saint for World Youth Day 2016 (WYD2016). To begin with, WYD is a global gathering/celebration especially designed to inspire young people (the youth of our world) to become (or continue) being strong, devoted, determined and loving Christians who live by the beatitudes and the commandments of God and Jesus. To be a patron saint of WYD alone, the saint must be inspirational and have these qualities, but to be a patron saint of WYD 2016 in particular, the saint must have shown mercy throughout his or her life being a living example of the line from the beatitudes;
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy” (Mt 5:7)
Saint Polycarp has exemplified this line throughout the whole of his life. He never held anger towards those who opposed him or his beliefs. He did not even show anger towards his captors who came to take him to his death. Instead he invited them inside to eat a meal with him. Being merciful throughout his life inspires young people to also be merciful; showing mercy and patience to those who trap them from being who they want to be, continually anger them or show great resistance towards them. Instead of lashing out in anger young people are inspired to be patient and understanding. It can be hard, but as seen through the life of St Polycarp, it can be done.
Additionally, St Polycarp was also a living example of how young people must follow the gospel teachings and stay away from temptation. He followed the commandments, was selfless, was determined to do everything he could to stay faithful to God and his Christian faith and to inspire others to do so too. This can be seen in his Letter to the Philippians where he writes;
“Stand fast, therefore, in this conduct and follow the example of the Lord, ‘firm and unchangeable in faith, lovers of the brotherhood, loving each other, united in truth... despising no man” (Polycarp, Letter to the Philippians).
Through this and all of his preaching he inspires all people to be “firm and unchangeable in faith” and to “follow the example of the Lord”, thus inspiring young people to be so too.
As seen Saint Polycarp must be chosen as the patron saint for World Youth Day 2016 as he was selfless, determined, merciful, caring, devoted to God and the Catholic faith, patient and an inspiration to the youth of our world