Saint of the Day: St. Apollinaris of Ravenna

Bishop and Martyr (First Century)

His life

+ Honored as the first bishop of Ravenna, Italy, tradition tells us that Apollinaris was from Antioch (not Antakya, Turkey) and later carried the Good News to Italy.

+ Saint Apollinaris was martyred near Ravenna during a persecution ordered by either the Emperor Vespasian or the Emperor Nero.

+ Although little is known of this saint, Saint Apollinaris has traditionally been invoked against epilepsy and gout and is the patron saint of several dioceses in Italy and Germany.

+ The 6th century Basilica of Sant’Apollinaire in Classe was built to honor the memory of Saint Apollinaris and is considered a treasure of early Christian art and architecture, particularly because of the sumptuous mosaics that beautify the basilica’s interior.

For reflection

“Blessed Apollinaris, the first bishop, alone honored the church in Ravenna with the glory of martyrdom suffered here. Following the mandate of his God, he lost his life in order to find it again for all eternity. Blessed is he who so finished the race, kept the faith, that he was truly found to occupy the first place among believers.”—Saint Peter Chrysologus

Prayer

Direct your faithful, Lord, in the way of eternal salvation,

which the Bishop Saint Apollinaris showed by his teaching and martyrdom,

and grant, through his intercession,

that we may so persevere in keeping your commandments

as to merit being crowned with him.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal)

Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.