Apollinaris is honored as the first bishop of Ravenna in Italy, who sowed the Gospel in that region. Despite repeated persecution and exile, he continued to shepherd his people and is venerated as a martyr.
Life
Saint Apollinaris is honored as the first bishop of Ravenna, Italy. Ancient devotion supports that he preached the Gospel and led the church in Ravenna in early Christian times, but the details of his life are uncertain.
Later tradition says he came from Antioch, was sent as bishop by the apostle Peter, and, though persecuted and driven out several times, kept returning to his flock until he was martyred. These stories, however, were written down much later. The Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe near Ravenna was built in his honor in the sixth century, and the Church remembers him on July 20.
Spirituality
Saint Apollinaris is remembered for the love of a shepherd who returns to his flock even after being driven away. As the founder of a city's church, he is honored for sowing the seed of the Gospel amid hardship and guarding that community to the end. The seed he sowed lives on in the faith of Ravenna to this day.
Reflection
The faith of a whole city began with someone's first labors. Why not offer a prayer of thanks today for those who first founded and sustained our parish? Let us call their names to mind.