Saint of the day July 20, 2025

St. Apollinaris was born in Antioch, a Roman Province of Syria, now modern-day Turkey. He was born around the time of St. Peter, and is believed to be around the same age. He was the first Bishop of Ravenna and was made Bishop by St. Peter himself. He faced nearly constant persecution, and he and his flock were exiled from Ravenna during the persecutions of Emperor Nero.

He was noted for performing many miracles, and as he wrought more and more of them, he soon attracted official attention. Between his performing miracles and preaching, he won many converts to the Faith, while at the same time bringing upon him the fury of the idolaters, who beat him cruelly and drove him from the city. He was found half-dead on the seashore, and kept in concealment by the Christians, but was captured again, and compelled to walk on burning coals before being expelled a second time. Despite the horrible tortures, he remained in the area and continued to work evangelizing the people.

Records show us that he then journeyed to the province of Aemilia. A third time he returned to Ravenna, was captured, cut with knives, scalding water poured over his wounds, was beaten in the mouth with stones for preaching, and chained in a dungeon to starve to death. He was released and sent to Greece. There the same course of preachings, miracles, and sufferings continued. After every attempt to silence him failed, he was sent back to Italy.

For the fourth time, he returned to Ravenna. By this time, Vespasian was Emperor, and he, in answer to the pagans, issued a decree of banishment against all Christians. St. Apollinaris was kept concealed for some time, but as he was passing out of the gates of the city, he was captured and savagely beaten. He lived for seven days, telling the Christians that the persecutions would increase, but that the Church would ultimately triumph. He died when a sword pierced his heart, and centuries after his death, he appeared in a vision to Saint Romuald. He was one of the first great martyrs of the Catholic Church.

Saint Apollinaris was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church. The city of Ravenna, where he served as bishop, has been a center of devotion to Saint Apollinaris for many centuries, and his relics are housed in the Basilica of Saint Apollinaris in the city.

Reflection

Saint Apollinaris is remembered for having performed many miracles during his lifetime. He is said to have healed the sick and to have raised the dead, and his miracles are still remembered and celebrated in Ravenna to this day.
In summary, Saint Apollinaris is remembered as a courageous and faithful bishop who gave his life for his unwavering faith. He is a model of devotion and courage for all Christians, and his legacy continues to inspire and enc