23rd July, St. Apollinaris, Bishop and Martyr

St. Apollinaris, Bishop and Martyr

Apollinaris is said to have come from Antioch to Rome with St. Peter who anointed him bishop (Introit, Gradual, Alleluia) and sent him to Ravenna to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore the Epistle chosen is that in which St. Peter describes the duties of those who are to guide the Church, not domineering, but as models of the flock. The Gospel also says "that the one who is greatest shall be like the least, and the one who governs like the one who serves."

Arrested by the pagan priests, he was cruelly beaten and cast into prison, then exiled to the banks of the Danube and to Thrace. Having returned to Ravenna he was again persecuted, and died in 79 from the effects of torture and fatigue. Thus did he put to profit the talents entrusted to him by God (Communion).

In the midst of our trials, let us remain united to Jesus and He will prepare for us, as for this saint, a place in His kingdom (Gospel).

Sacerdotes Dei, benedicite Dominum: sancti, et humiles corde, laudate Deum. * Benedicite, omnia opera Domini, Domino: laudate et superexaltate eum in saecula.
Ye priests of the Lord, bless the Lord: O ye holy and humble of heart, praise God. * All ye works of the Lord, bless the Lord, praise and exalt Him above all for ever.
(Daniel 3:84,87,57 from the introit of Mass)

Deus, fidelium remunerator animarum, qui hunc diem beati Apollinaris Sacerdotis tui martyrio consecrasti: tribue nobis, quaesumus, famulis tuis: ut, cujus venerandam celebramus festivitatem, precibus ejus indulgentiam consequamur. 
O God, the rewarder of faithful souls, who hast consecrated this day by the martyrdom of blessed Apollinaris, Thy priest: we, Thy servants, beseech Thee to grant that the prayer of him whose feastday we keep, may obtain for us forgiveness.
(Collect)

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01616a.htm