Every July 20, the Catholic Church celebrates Saint Apollinaris, first bishop of Ravenna (Italy) and patron of that city. The Roman Martyrology says of him:
“Saint Apollinaris, bishop, who at the same time that he spread among the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, went before his sheep as a good shepherd, and it is tradition that he honored with his illustrious martyrdom the church of Classe, near Ravenna, in the Via Flaminia, passing to the eternal banquet on the twenty-third day of July (cs II).”
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apostolic spirit
According to the records of his martyrdom, Apollinaris was born in Antioch (modern Turkey), where he became a disciple of Saint Peter, who later – according to an ancient tradition – would name him bishop of Ravenna. This saint was one of the most famous martyrs of the early Church, and the great veneration that has been professed to him since ancient times can be considered the best testimony of his holiness and apostolic spirit.
After his conversion and subsequent baptism, Apolinar dedicated himself to announcing Christ among his contemporaries. Many conversions were carried out in his hometown thanks to his testimony, which earned him the object of repudiation by the civil authorities. The saint ended up exiled, so he headed towards the region of Bologna (northern Italy), where the Gospel had penetrated many souls.
As bishop of Ravenna, a coastal city on the route to Bologna, he once again found himself in the crosshairs of the imperial authorities and was once again exiled. During the journey into exile he was shipwrecked off the coast of Dalmatia, where he was captured and severely punished for declaring himself a Christian.
Firm as the love of God
Apollinaris returned to his headquarters three times, and was captured, tortured and exiled three times. Emperor Vespasian had published a decree condemning all Christians to exile. Saint Apollinaris managed to evade punishment for a while longer, but he was discovered and beaten to death at the hands of a mob.
Saint Peter Chrysologus, the saint’s illustrious successor, called him a martyr, and added that God had preserved Apollinaris’ life for a long time for the good of the Church.
Patronage and iconography
Apolinar is the patron saint of Ravenna and the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, where Bologna is also located. He is recognized as a miraculous intercessor, especially effective against diseases such as gout, venereal diseases and epilepsy.
The bishop is usually represented with episcopal attire, the palm of martyrdom and the pallium. The story of his life is depicted in the stained glass windows of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Troyes (France).
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If you want to know more about this great bishop and martyr, we recommend the following article from the Catholic Encyclopedia: https://ec.aciprensa.com/wiki/San_Apolinar.
Central Editorial
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