Saint Justin, apologist and martyr (d. 165 c.)

Saint Justin is the greatest apologist of the second century. He was born in Palestine, in the ancient little town of Sichem, of heathen parents. Touched by Christ, he used his impressive gifts of heart and spirit to make him known. He stayed in Rome for many years, where he endured martyrdom around the year 165.

Justin was an apologist. The simple affirmation of faith (in the style of St Ignatius of Antioch) quickly proved to be insufficient because of the scorn shown by the enemies of the Christianity (Jews or pagans). Justin made attempts to have respectful dialogue. (Later, Tertullian practiced a harsher discussion, even ridiculing his opponents).

At the time Christians had a deep missionary sense, conscious of having received the truth that saves them, they felt it their duty to transmit it to others, even if this should lead to martyrdom, as was the case for Justin.

Saint Justin situated Mary in salvation history. In this vast history, while the sin of Eve blocked the project of the Creator, Mary freed up the way. She is presented to the world as the Virgin Mother of the Son of God, who freely cooperated with the plan of salvation, announced by the prophets.

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A. Gila