Why should St Polycarp be chosen as a patron saint for WYD 2016?
There are numerous reasons as to why St Polycarp should be a patron saint for World Youth Day 2016. To begin with, St Polycarp was the bishop of Smyrna in the late 1st and early 2nd century. He was an extremely selfless man, and was well liked by other Christians for that reason. He lived among many pagans, and under a government that highly opposed Christianity. At the time, Christians, including St Polycarp, faced persecution. St Polycarp followed Jesus' footsteps and "led and fed his flock", by giving his life to save his people from persecution in Smyrna. His act of selflessness can teach us to look out for others, even in times of hardship. It teaches us that sometimes we may need to take risks to fight for whats right, and stand up for what we believe in.
Furthermore, St Polycarp died a martyr, after refusing to speak words against his faith, forced upon by his captors. He was so firm in his Christian beliefs that he didn't want to turn away from God. This act of bravery inspires me, and surely inspires other people not to give into peer pressure. His actions can teach people not to do something against their will, because others are doing it or are forcing you to do it. One final reason why St Polycarp should be a patron saint for World Youth Day is his trust and faith in God. Even while facing persecution, St Polycarp remained trustworthy that God would give him what is best for him. This can be seen through his last words... "Father... I bless Thee, for having made me worthy of the day and the hour.His trust in God inspires young people to remain faithful that even in the darkest times, God will do what is best for them. It teaches us that God only wants what is best for us, and that he will guide us in the right direction even if it seems like there is no hope. Therefore, it is clear that St Polycarp is the rightful candidate for patronage for WYD 2016. |