The saint’s day commemorates today, Monday, July 20, St. Apollinaris of Clase, considered the first bishop of Ravenna and one of the most outstanding figures of early Christianity in northern Italy. His witness of faith and his evangelizing work made him venerated from the first centuries of the Church.
The saint’s day brings together the memory of people who dedicated their lives to spreading the Christian message and whose example continues to inspire millions of faithful. July 20 is dedicated to St. Apollinaris de Clase, a pastor who stood out for his perseverance and for keeping his faith firm in times of persecution.
SAN APOLINARIS DE CLASE
According to Christian tradition, St. Apollinaris was a disciple of St. Peter, who sent him to preach the Gospel in the city of Ravenna. There he was appointed its first bishop and worked intensely to consolidate one of the first Christian communities in the region.
During his ministry he suffered various persecutions for his preaching and, despite the difficulties, he continued to proclaim Christianity and strengthen the faith of his followers. His steadfastness in the face of adversity made him recognized as an example of courage and fidelity.
Tradition holds that he died as a martyr because of the persecutions against Christians. Over the centuries, his cult spread throughout Italy and other territories in Europe. The Church celebrates his feast day every July 20, remembering him as one of the great bishops of the early days of Christianity.
WHY ARE SAINTS CELEBRATED?
The Christian saint’s day has its origin in the tradition of remembering the saints and blesseds recognized by the Church every day. These commemorations value the life and testimony of people who stood out for their faith and for the example they left throughout their lives.
With the passage of time, the celebration of saints was also linked to the name day, so that many people celebrate their saint on the day on which the Church remembers the saint from whom they received their name. This custom is still deeply rooted in many countries with a Christian tradition.
