Irénée de Lyon

v. 130-v. 202 2nd century Feast day: June 28

The life of the human being as the glory of God, faith handed on from hand to hand.

Who was Irénée de Lyon?

Born in Asia Minor, a disciple of Polycarp, himself a disciple of the apostle John. Bishop of Lyon, he defended the faith against the Gnostics and worked tirelessly for peace between the Churches. His very name means “the peaceful one.”

In their own words

The glory of God is the living man; and the life of man is the vision of God.

Against Heresies, IV, 20, 7

He became what we are, that he might make us what he is.

Against Heresies, V, preface

The hands of God are the Son and the Spirit.

Against Heresies, IV, preface