5. Upheld the Four Cardinal Virtues
In order to be suitable for patronage of World Youth Day 2016, the Saint must have upheld the four cardinal virtues;
Prudence:
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The saint must have always persevered and strived to achieve highly. They must have never given up when things got hard, but instead should have tried to achieve the highest possible.
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Temperance: |
The saint must have been appreciative of what they had, and didn't seek pleasure in material things. The saint should've turned to God for happiness, knowing that only true fulfillment can only come from leading a life with a close relationship with God.
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Justice: |
The saint must have respected others, living by the quote "Respect others as you would like to be respected." In addition, the saint should have sought to set things right in the world. The saint should have preached the word of God, teaching people to be fair and just.
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Fortitude: |
The saint must have stood up for what they believed in. They should have been brave even in times where no hope was present. This is linked to their faith in God, and the knowledge that God will shine the light in the darkest of times.
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The chosen saint must have upheld these four cardinal virtues; prudence, temperance, justice and fortitude, in every aspect of their lives. They must have set a good example for others by demonstrating these qualities daily.
How has St Polycarp fulfilled this criteria?
St Polycarp clearly demonstrated the four cardinal values; prudence, temperance, justice and fortitude throughout his life, setting a good example for others.
To begin with, St Polycarp demonstrated prudence by leading the Christians, even when they were getting persecuted. Even when it seemed like there was no hope for the continuation of the Christian religion, St Polycarp strived to spread the word of God to others, teaching them the messages of Jesus Christ.
In addition, St Polycarp demonstrated temperance through his simplistic lifestyle. St Polycarp chose to live a life of prayer and devoted his life to God, thus showing temperance. He strived to build a strong connection with God, living by the morals of the Christian faith.
The third cardinal virtue is justice. St Polycarp demonstrated this virtue by preaching the word of the Lord. He also taught others that they must fulfill God’s will, walk in truth, keep all of God's commandments, and love whatever He loved. He also taught Christians to refrain from all fraud, greed, detraction, and rash judgment. They must repay evil with forgiveness and mercy. He taught that one must pray all the time, so as not to be led into temptation, fast, persevere and be joyful.
The final cardinal virtue is fortitude, in which St Polycarp demonstrated many times throughout his life, particularly during his capture and while Christians were being persecuted. St Polycarp refused to hide his Christian beliefs, instead he chose to give his life to save his people from persecution in Smyrna. In addition to this, while St Polycarp was being held hostage by the Romans, awaiting execution, he was extremely brave and was hopeful that God was doing what was best for him. This is yet another example of St Polycarp displaying fortitude.
Overall, it is clear that St Polycarp upheld the four cardinal virtues throughout his life, fulfilling the fifth criteria.
To begin with, St Polycarp demonstrated prudence by leading the Christians, even when they were getting persecuted. Even when it seemed like there was no hope for the continuation of the Christian religion, St Polycarp strived to spread the word of God to others, teaching them the messages of Jesus Christ.
In addition, St Polycarp demonstrated temperance through his simplistic lifestyle. St Polycarp chose to live a life of prayer and devoted his life to God, thus showing temperance. He strived to build a strong connection with God, living by the morals of the Christian faith.
The third cardinal virtue is justice. St Polycarp demonstrated this virtue by preaching the word of the Lord. He also taught others that they must fulfill God’s will, walk in truth, keep all of God's commandments, and love whatever He loved. He also taught Christians to refrain from all fraud, greed, detraction, and rash judgment. They must repay evil with forgiveness and mercy. He taught that one must pray all the time, so as not to be led into temptation, fast, persevere and be joyful.
The final cardinal virtue is fortitude, in which St Polycarp demonstrated many times throughout his life, particularly during his capture and while Christians were being persecuted. St Polycarp refused to hide his Christian beliefs, instead he chose to give his life to save his people from persecution in Smyrna. In addition to this, while St Polycarp was being held hostage by the Romans, awaiting execution, he was extremely brave and was hopeful that God was doing what was best for him. This is yet another example of St Polycarp displaying fortitude.
Overall, it is clear that St Polycarp upheld the four cardinal virtues throughout his life, fulfilling the fifth criteria.