Saint of the Day: St. Apollinaris


St. Apollinaris was bishop, martyr, and possible disciple of St. Peter. He was born in Antioch, Turkey, and became the first bishop of Ravenna, in Italy, where he shepherded his flock for twenty-six years. He was a great preacher and miracle worker, who won many converts to the faith. His preaching was so successful that the pagans there beat him and drove him from the city. He returned, however, and was exiled a second time. After preaching in the area surrounding Ravenna, he returned to the city once again. Then, after being cruelly tortured, he was put on a ship heading to Greece. Pagans there caused him to be expelled to Italy, where he went to Ravenna for a fourth time. He died from wounds received during a savage beating. His shrine in the Benedictine Abbey of Classe in Ravenna was once a popular pilgrimage destination. was credited with many miracles. He also appeared to St. Romuald. St. Apollinaris is patron of Ravenna and is invoked against gout, epilepsy, and diseases of the sexual organs.

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