St. Ignatius was a convert to the Faith and a disciple of St. John the Evangelist. St. Chrysostom says that St. Peter appointed him Bishop of Antioch, where he ministered for forty years.
The saint longed to shed his blood for Christ, but the opportunity was not granted him during the persecution under Domitian. While the short reign of Nerva lasted, the Church was in peace, but under Trajan, persecution broke out anew. In the year 107 a.d., the Emperor came to Antioch. Ignatius was seized and brought before him.
Having confessed Christ, he was condemned to be taken in chains to Rome, there to be exposed to the wild beasts. During this last journey, he was welcomed by the faithful of Smyrna, Troas, and other places along the route.
He arrived in Rome just as the public spectacles in the amphitheater were drawing to a close. The faithful of the city came out to meet him. He was at once hurried to the amphitheater, where two fierce lions immediately devoured him.
He ended his saintly life by a glorious death, exclaiming, "May I become agreeable bread to the Lord." "We should then really live as Christians and not merely have the name..." His remains were carried to Antioch, where they were interred. In the reign of Theodosius they were transferred to a church within the city; even now they are venerated in Rome.
During his long journey by boat from Antioch to Rome, he addressed seven epistles to various congregations, in which as a disciple of the Apostles, he testifies to the dogmatic character of Apostolic Christianity. He is also known to have first used the term Catholic (universal), as it applies to the Church.
Follow these links to read more about our patron saint:
Ignatius of Antioch, EWTN
Ignatius of Antioch, Catholic.org
Ignatius of Antioch, CNA