Chapters
Epistles of Ignatius
Chapters
More
Ignatius, and the brothers who are with him, to John the holy elder.
WE ARE DEEPLY GRIEVED BY YOUR DELAY IN STRENGTHENING US WITH YOUR WORDS AND COMFORT: If your absence continues, many of us will be disappointed. Please come quickly, as we believe it is necessary. Many of our women here are eager to see Mary, the mother of Jesus, and wish daily to leave us and come to you, so they may meet her, touch the breasts that nursed the Lord Jesus, and inquire about some rather secret matters. Salome, the daughter of Anna, whom you love, who stayed with her for five months in Jerusalem, and some other well-known individuals, say that she is full of all graces and virtues, like a virgin, rich in virtue and grace.
As they report, she is cheerful in persecutions and hardships, free from complaining in the midst of poverty and want, grateful to those who wrong her, and rejoices in troubles: she sympathizes with the wretched and afflicted, sharing in their sufferings, and is quick to help them.
Moreover, she shines gloriously as she fights the battle of faith against the harmful conflicts of vicious principles or conduct. She is the lady of our new religion and repentance, and a helper among the faithful in all works of piety.
She is truly devoted to the humble, humbling herself more than others, and is wonderfully esteemed by all, though she suffers criticism from the Scribes and Pharisees. Besides these points, many tell us numerous other things about her.
However, we do not believe everything entirely, nor do we mention everything to you. But, as informed by those worthy of belief, there is in Mary, the mother of Jesus, an angelic purity of nature combined with human nature. Such reports have greatly stirred our emotions and urge us eagerly to see this (if it be lawful to say) heavenly wonder and sacred marvel.
Please, hurry to fulfill our wish; and farewell. Amen.