St. Apollinaris of Ravenna (d. 75) is one of the beloved saints of the Catholic Church. Apollinaris was the first bishop of Ravenna, traditionally believed to have been appointed by St. Peter himself. He was a courageous preacher who suffered persecution and exile multiple times for his faith. The Church celebrates St. Apollinaris of Ravenna's feast on 07-20.
Catholic Daily brings you the life of St. Apollinaris of Ravenna as part of our commitment to helping Catholics encounter the saints of the liturgical calendar every morning. Whether you are discovering St. Apollinaris of Ravenna for the first time or deepening a long-standing devotion, this page offers biography, prayers, and practical guidance for honoring this holy patron in your daily life.
Early Life and Calling of St. Apollinaris of Ravenna
Apollinaris was the first bishop of Ravenna, traditionally believed to have been appointed by St. Peter himself. He was a courageous preacher who suffered persecution and exile multiple times for his faith. He is venerated as a martyr, though accounts vary on whether he died from his sufferings or lived to old age.
The vocation of St. Apollinaris of Ravenna reminds us that holiness is not the exclusive domain of monks and nuns but the universal call of every baptized Christian. The Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium teaches that all the faithful are called to the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity — and St. Apollinaris of Ravenna's life is a shining example of that universal call answered with total generosity.
Patron Saint: Ravenna, epilepsy, gout
St. Apollinaris of Ravenna is honored as the patron saint of Ravenna, epilepsy, gout. The designation of patron saints is a beautiful expression of the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the saints in heaven are not distant figures from the past but active intercessors who accompany us in our earthly journey.
Those who work in or are associated with Ravenna have traditionally invoked St. Apollinaris of Ravenna's intercession for protection, guidance, and grace in their particular circumstances. The patronage of St. Apollinaris of Ravenna is grounded in the specific details of Ravenna's life and ministry, which created a lasting bond between this saint and those who share similar callings or needs.
How to Honor St. Apollinaris of Ravenna in Your Daily Life
The Church's tradition offers many beautiful ways to honor St. Apollinaris of Ravenna and seek Ravenna's intercession:
On the Feast Day (07-20): Attend Mass if possible, as the liturgy on Ravenna's feast day will often include readings and prayers that illuminate Ravenna's particular sanctity. Light a candle before an image of St. Apollinaris of Ravenna and spend a few minutes in prayer.
Daily Devotion: Place an image or icon of St. Apollinaris of Ravenna in your home — in your prayer corner, on your desk, or in your car. A simple morning invocation, "St. Ravenna, pray for us," draws Ravenna's intercession into your day.
Novena: A nine-day novena to St. Apollinaris of Ravenna can be prayed before the feast day (beginning nine days prior) or at any time of particular need. Many Catholics have reported profound graces through novena prayer.
Study: Read a biography of St. Apollinaris of Ravenna. The lives of the saints are the living commentary on the Gospel — they show us what it looks like to follow Christ in a particular time, culture, and vocation.
Prayer to St. Apollinaris of Ravenna
O glorious St. Apollinaris of Ravenna, whose life was a testament to the love and power of Almighty God, look upon us with mercy from your place before His throne. You who walked the path of holiness with courage and fidelity, intercede for us who struggle in the pilgrimage of faith. Obtain for us from God the graces we most need — especially [state your intention here] — and help us to follow your example of love, courage, and total surrender to God's will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Feast Day Prayer (from the Roman Missal):Lord our God, you have given us St. Apollinaris of Ravenna as a witness to your goodness and mercy. May we who honor Ravenna's memory imitate Ravenna's virtues and one day share Ravenna's joy in your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
St. Apollinaris of Ravenna in Art and Catholic Tradition
St. Apollinaris of Ravenna has been depicted in Catholic sacred art for centuries. Traditional iconography of the saints communicates theological truths through visual symbols — a language that transcends words and speaks directly to the heart.
Common symbols associated with St. Apollinaris of Ravenna in Catholic art may include:
- A halo or nimbus, indicating canonized sainthood
- Specific objects or instruments associated with Ravenna's life or martyrdom
- Liturgical vestments corresponding to Ravenna's state of life (religious habit, episcopal robes, or lay clothing)
- A palm branch, if St. Apollinaris of Ravenna is a martyr
A lesser-known fact about St. Apollinaris of Ravenna: The magnificent sixth-century Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe near Ravenna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is dedicated to him.
When praying before an image of St. Apollinaris of Ravenna, allow the symbols to draw your attention to the virtues they represent. Sacred art is not decoration but theology made visible — a window through which the heavenly reality shines into our earthly prayer.