Second-century bishop of Lyon and Doctor of the Church whose Against Heresies answered the Gnostics.
Life
Irenaeus was born around 130 in Asia Minor and as a young man heard the teaching of St. Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna. He is therefore seen as a witness to the faith handed down from the apostle John. Later he served as a priest in Lyon in Gaul.
Around 177, when Bishop Pothinus of Lyon was martyred in persecution, Irenaeus succeeded him as bishop. Against the Gnosticism then troubling the Church he wrote Against Heresies, showing that the Church's tradition handed down from the apostles, together with Scripture, is the measure of true faith. He died around 200; tradition says he was martyred, though this is not certain. In 2022 Pope Francis declared him a Doctor of the Church with the title "Doctor of Unity."
Spirituality
Irenaeus's spirituality is a broad faith that sees creation and salvation as one. He taught that God saves the whole human being, body and matter included, and he is widely known for saying that the glory of God is the human person fully alive. He valued above all the Church's unity in the faith of the apostles.
Reflection
Irenaeus said the glory of God is the human person fully alive. Life is God's gift. Am I living the life God has given me fully and joyfully today?