St. Justin

Justin was born around A.D. 100 in Flavia Neapolis in Palestine. He was well educated in pagan philosophies which failed to satisfy him; he converted to Christianity at about the age of thirty. He opened a school of philosophy in Rome and debated with the best Roman philosophers. He wrote extensively in defense of the Faith, emphasizing the logic of Christianity. We know of many of his works only through Eusebius the early Church historian. His two Apologies and his Dialogue with Trypho are the only works of his that have come down in their entirety to us. Justin clearly explains free will and eternal life. He is one of the earliest writers on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Justin gave is life for the Faith about 165. He is one of the Fathers of the Church. St. Justin Martyr’s feast is April 14. This is the date set for him by Leo XIII, who had an Office and a Mass composed in honor of this early witness of the Faith.