*** *** *** Martyred around 203, St. Irenaeus is best known for defending Christian orthodoxy against Gnosticism.

— St. Irenaeus is considered one of the first great Church theologians and his important work went beyond the refutation of heresy. His system of theology includes the principle of apostolic succession and Mary’s role in the history of salvation. Some fragments of his writings have survived and are studied today for theological insight.
— Relating to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Irenaeus is quoted in Lumen Gentium: “The knot of Eve’s disobedience was untied by Mary’s obedience; what the virgin Eve bound through her unbelief, the Virgin Mary loosened by her faith.”