Saint Apollinaris
Feast Day: July 20
Saint Apollinaris is remembered as a bishop and a martyr. He lived a long time ago, in the early years of the Church. He is most known for being the first bishop of Ravenna, a city in Italy. Some people also call him Apollinaris of Ravenna.
He preached about Jesus when Christianity was still new. This was during a time when many people did not believe in Jesus. It was also a time when Christians were often in danger. Many early Christians were hurt or killed for their faith.
Apollinaris did not stop preaching, even when it was risky. He wanted people to know Jesus. He was willing to suffer for his faith. He trusted God and stayed strong.
People still remember him today because of his courage. He is honored as a saint in the Catholic Church. His life reminds us to stay faithful, even when things are hard.
A Start in Faith
Not much is known about the early life of Apollinaris. Tradition says he may have come from Antioch, a city in Syria. This was a place where the early Church was growing. Some stories say he was a follower of Saint Peter.
Peter was one of Jesus’ closest friends. Some people believe that Peter chose Apollinaris to go to Italy and preach. This means Apollinaris was trusted to share the message of Jesus.
At that time, Italy was part of the Roman Empire. Most people there worshipped Roman gods. They did not know Jesus. Apollinaris came to bring them the Good News.
He may have been a stranger in a new land. But he did not let fear stop him. He believed that Jesus had sent him. He began to preach and help the people.
Preaching in a Hard Place
Apollinaris came to Ravenna, a city in northern Italy. He started teaching people about Jesus. He also healed people and helped the poor. Many people began to listen to him.
Some people were angry about this. The leaders of the city did not like his message. They saw Christianity as a threat. They did not want to change their old ways.
Still, Apollinaris kept going. He formed a small Christian community. He taught them how to live as followers of Jesus. He may have baptized many people.
The Church says he became the first bishop of Ravenna. As bishop, he led the Christian people in prayer and worship. He cared for them like a shepherd cares for sheep.
Faith Under Fire
Because of his preaching, Apollinaris was arrested. He was beaten and thrown out of the city. But he came back. He still wanted to help the people and tell them about Jesus.
This happened more than once. Each time, he was hurt and sent away. But each time, he returned. He did not give up. He trusted that Jesus would be with him.
At last, his enemies had enough. They attacked him again. This time, they beat him so badly that he died a few days later. He died around the year 79 AD.
Christians said he died for his faith. That is what it means to be a martyr. His death was not the end. The people he had helped kept the faith. The Church in Ravenna grew stronger.
Still Remembered Today
Saint Apollinaris was never formally canonized like saints today. But he has been honored as a saint since the early days of the Church. People knew he had lived and died for Jesus.
His feast day is July 20. On this day, Catholics remember his life and his witness. Churches in Ravenna and other places hold Mass in his memory.
There are churches named after him, including the famous Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe near Ravenna. His tomb became a holy place where people went to pray.
Saint Apollinaris is known as a patron saint of Ravenna. He is also sometimes called on for help during storms or sickness. His story shows how faith can grow, even in hard times.
Daily Mass Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Apollinaris, Bishop and Martyr
The readings for this memorial may be taken from the readings below, the Common of Martyrs, the Common of Pastors, or the readings of the day.
- First Reading – Ezekiel 34:11-16: The Lord promises to care for his people like a shepherd. He will bring back the lost, heal the sick, and give them rest. He will lead them with justice.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 23: The Lord takes care of me, gives me peace, stays with me in danger, and fills my life with goodness. I will remain with him always.
- Gospel – John 10:11-16: Jesus is the good shepherd who gives his life for his sheep. He knows them, and they know him. He also brings others into his care, so all become one flock.
Homilies, Commentaries, and Reflections
Keep Going, Even When It’s Hard
Saint Apollinaris lived in a time when being a Christian was dangerous. He knew that telling people about Jesus could get him hurt. But he still preached. He still helped people. He still came back after being beaten. That takes a lot of courage. He did not stop just because things were hard.
Most of us do not face the same danger he did. But we all have moments when living our faith is not easy. Maybe people make fun of us. Maybe we feel alone. Maybe we are scared to speak the truth. Saint Apollinaris shows us that we can still choose to do what is right, even when it costs something.
He also reminds us that faith is not just about talking. It’s also about action. He helped people. He cared for the poor. He prayed with others. Our faith should move us to do the same. Even small acts of love can make a difference.
Saint Apollinaris did not look for comfort or praise. He looked to Jesus. That helped him stay strong. We can do the same. When things get tough, we can turn to Jesus and ask for help. We can keep going, just like Apollinaris did.
Reflection Questions
- When has it been hard for me to live my faith?
- What small acts of love can I do this week?
- Who in my life needs to hear or see the message of Jesus?
Hard Truths, Right Expectations
Saint Apollinaris didn’t expect an easy life. He was beaten, exiled, imprisoned, and eventually killed for sharing the Gospel. But he stayed faithful because his expectations were shaped by Jesus’ words, not by comfort or success.
When we expect a smooth road, we get angry when things go wrong. But Jesus said his followers would face hatred and rejection. Apollinaris believed that. He didn’t grow bitter. He stayed focused on the mission. If we want to follow Jesus well, we need to expect what he told us to expect—and stay faithful anyway.
Resources
Four Saints’ Novena to Holiness: Catholic prayer to St. Apollinaris, St. Lawrence of Brindisi, St. Bridget of Sweden and St. Charbel Makhlouf
This Novena Prayer Book shares the lives and prayers of four saints: St. Apollinaris, St. Lawrence of Brindisi, St. Bridget of Sweden, and St. Charbel Makhlouf. It includes simple prayers and short biographies to help readers grow closer to these saints. The book is made for anyone who wants to feel stronger in faith, ask for help through prayer, or learn more about holy men and women. It is also a great gift for friends and family. The book is easy to read and meant to guide and inspire people in everyday life.
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Questions and Answers about Saint Apollinaris
Who was Saint Apollinaris?
He was a bishop and a martyr. He was the first bishop of Ravenna in Italy.
Where was Saint Apollinaris from?
He may have come from Antioch, which is in Syria.
What did Saint Apollinaris do?
He preached about Jesus. He helped people. He started the Church in Ravenna.
Was Saint Apollinaris a follower of Saint Peter?
Some stories say he was chosen by Saint Peter to go preach in Italy.
Why is he called a martyr?
He was hurt and later killed for his faith in Jesus.
How did Saint Apollinaris die?
He was beaten many times. He died from his injuries.
What is his feast day?
His feast day is July 20.
Is he a patron saint?
Yes. He is the patron saint of Ravenna. Some people also pray to him during storms or sickness.
Are there churches named after him?
Yes. One well-known church is the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe near Ravenna.
Why is he important today?
He showed courage. He stayed faithful even when it was hard. His story helps us stay strong in our own faith.
Standing Strong in Faith
Saint Apollinaris lived in a time when following Jesus was risky. He preached, served, and led others, even when people tried to stop him. He faced pain and danger, but he did not give up. His love for Jesus helped him keep going.
He was the first bishop of Ravenna. He helped build up the Church there. His story shows us what it means to be faithful, even when it’s hard. He stayed true to his mission, no matter the cost.
Apollinaris did not have an easy life, but he had strong faith. He trusted God and cared for others. His witness helped the Church grow.
We remember Saint Apollinaris not just for what he did, but for how he lived. His life is a reminder that faith is not always easy, but it is always worth living.
Your Turn
Take time to learn more about Saint Apollinaris. His story can help you think about your own faith and how to live it out.
Have you ever had to stand up for your faith? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comment section below. Let’s learn from each other.
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