Feast Day: July 20
Patron Saint of: Ravenna, Italy; epilepsy; and against gout
St. Apollinaris was a 1st-century bishop and martyr, believed to have been a disciple of St. Peter, who ordained him and sent him to evangelize in Ravenna, Italy. He became the first bishop of Ravenna and is remembered as one of the early apostolic missionaries who helped spread the Gospel in a hostile, pagan world.
Apollinaris preached the faith with great zeal, performing miracles and converting many to Christianity. His boldness angered Roman authorities and pagan leaders, and he was persecuted several times, beaten, tortured, and eventually martyred for his faith. Tradition holds that he endured severe beatings and exile multiple times before dying from the wounds of one brutal attack.
Despite constant danger, St. Apollinaris remained steadfast in proclaiming Christ. His courage and perseverance are a powerful witness of faith under persecution — a reminder that the early Church was built on the blood and sacrifices of the martyrs.
A Short Prayer to St. Apollinaris
St. Apollinaris, brave witness of the Gospel,
pray for us to remain faithful in times of trial.
May we never be ashamed of our faith,
and may we, like you, proclaim Christ with boldness.
Amen.
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