The Church’s First Theologian

Today is the feast of St. Irenaeus, bishop of Lyon (d. 202 AD),arguably the first systematic theologian in the Church.  In his youth, he learned from St. Polycarp who was a student of the Apostle John.  Irenaeus’ teaching is still very important in the Church more than 1800 years later; he is explicitly cited 24 times in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  His work is surprisingly relevant for us today since he faced in second century France many of the heresies that are current in our own 21st century world.  Take a few minutes to listen to Mike Aquilina discuss the life and writings of this giant of the Catholic Faith with Kris and Bruce McGregor.