20 กรกฎาคม ระลึกถึงนักบุญอพอลลินาริส (St. Apollinaris) | พระสังฆราชองค์แรกแห่งราเวนนาผู้ไม่เคยทอดทิ้งฝูงแกะ

The Memorial of St. Apollinaris on July 20th honors a courageous first-century bishop and martyr. According to ancient tradition, he was a native of Antioch, a disciple of St. Peter the Apostle, and was personally consecrated and sent by Peter to be the first Bishop of Ravenna, Italy. His incredibly successful preaching and healing miracles enraged the local pagans. Demonstrating the heart of a true Good Shepherd, Apollinaris was brutally beaten, tortured, and exiled four separate times. Yet, each time, his profound love for his flock compelled him to return. He eventually died from severe beatings inflicted by a pagan mob around 79 AD. The magnificent Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna stand today as a glorious testament to his holy legacy.

Reflection for the Faithful: St. Apollinaris challenges us to examine our own perseverance in faith. When faced with rejection, worldly hostility, or personal trials, our instinct is often to retreat. However, this great martyr shows us that true love for Christ and His Church requires us to courageously return to our calling, bearing our wounds as badges of honor. Let us seek his intercession to remain steadfast in our duties and unwavering in our faith, no matter the obstacles we encounter.