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Expert: - 4/14/2008


Question
Hello!
Raphael again.

I'd like some fine details regarding
the death of this saint. I've tried popular
encyclopedias but they've been helpless so far.

Blessings
Raphael


Answer
Greetings Raphael,

Irenaeus is one of my favorite Church Fathers.  He was very influential in his day, and a great vision of what we as Christians ought to strive to be.

Irenaeus is often remembered as a martyr for his faith, but I've not been able to uncover much in the way of /how/ he died.  It seems to be one of those mysteries lost to history.  It may be because his tomb and remains were destroyed by the Huguenots (Calvinists) when they attacked St. John's Church in Lyons (it is also called, appropriately, St. Irenaeus).  The Tomb of Irenaeus - and those of Leonardo da Vinci and Johannes Keppler - were destroyed in the attack.

Sorry I cannot be of more assistance, but I don't think there is any knowledge of this to be had, sadly.

Pax Christi,

-J.M.J. West

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J.M.J. West

Expertise

I will make an attempt at almost any question. I am a trained Catechist and Apologist, and I can answer most questions regarding: -Church Doctrine -Biblical questions (I have a cursory understanding of Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic) -Catholic Philosophy -History of the Church (especially the early church) -Apologetic questions (i.e. why we believe what we believe) -Ethics I look forward to your questions!

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I work as the College Catechist of Benedictine College in Atchison, KS, and the Director of RCIA. I am a revert to the Catholic faith and had to learn my way home, so to speak.

Education/Credentials
B.A. Philosophy, Benedictine College B.A. History, Benedictine College

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