Saint of the day January 8, 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 of 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 and his feast day is celebrated on January 8th.

Reflection

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 encourage people to this day. We only have the Church and our faith today, because of the many saints that have gone before us, like St. Apollinaris, who were willing to lay down their lives for the Church. The least we can do is use all of our power to help bring that faith to others that are searching for the truth.
As we honor this early bishop of the Church, consider the fact that his work of sharing the Gospel continues to have an effect upon many people. First, the converts he made helped spread the Gospel in the early Church, and the Church is what it is today because of such heroic saints. Second, his witness to the Gospel continues to inspire many who hear his story and become inspired by his life. As you seek his intercession today, commit to following his example. When you face opposition to the Gospel or hostility from the modern secular world towards your faith, stand strong and strive to remain strong in the faith, bearing witness in every way you are called.