Sacred Places

In the heart of Rome, the ancient Basilica di San Clemente holds the precious relics of St. Ignatius of Antioch, the God-bearer. After his fearless martyrdom in the Colosseum around 108, facing lions for his love of Christ, his bones were gathered and sent to Antioch, then brought to this sacred church in 637. Beneath its altar, his relics rest, inviting pilgrims to seek his intercession. On 7 Abib, Coptic Christians sing hymns to honor his unwavering faith in chains.

One tale says a Coptic girl named Layla visited San Clemente in 2019, seeking Ignatius’ intercession to find courage against bullying at school. Kneeling near the relics, she felt a quiet strength, and back home, she spoke boldly, bringing peace among her classmates, seen as Christ’s grace. The church’s golden mosaics shine with hope, teaching children that Ignatius’ prayers guide hearts to God. For young believers, this holy place shows how seeking Ignatius’ intercession builds courage in Christ, as lasting as Rome’s ancient stones. Guided by God’s grace, his witness inspires Coptic youth to stand firm in faith.