Saint Apollinaris, Bishop and Martyr

Saint Apollinaris of Ravenna was born in Syria, likely in Antioch, and came to be remembered as a courageous shepherd of the early Church. Tradition holds that he was a disciple of Saint Peter, who consecrated and sent him as the first bishop of Ravenna. For many years he labored to bring the Gospel to the people of Emilia-Romagna, especially around the port of Classe, nurturing a young Christian community in a time of suspicion and hostility. His preaching and reputed miracles drew many to Christ, but also provoked repeated persecutions. Accounts describe him beaten, tortured, imprisoned, and driven into exile more than once; yet he returned again and again to strengthen his flock. At last, near Classe, he suffered a final brutal assault and died after several days, steadfast in hope and foretelling that the Church would ultimately triumph. Venerated as a martyr and wonder-worker, he is honored as patron of Ravenna and the region of Emilia-Romagna. His feast day is July 20.

Saint Margaret the Virgin, also known in the West as Margaret of Antioch and in the East as Saint Marina the Great Martyr, is traditionally said to have been born in Antioch in Pisidia (in present-day Turkey) in the early fourth century. Orphaned soon after birth, she was raised by a Christian nurse in the countryside and, while tending sheep, embraced the faith of Christ and consecrated her virginity to God. Her pagan father, a priest, rejected her for this choice. When Olybrius, a Roman governor, desired to marry her, Margaret refused to renounce Christ or surrender the purity she had offered to the Lord. For her steadfast witness she endured harsh tortures and, according to ancient devotion, overcame demonic assaults through the power of the Cross. At last she was beheaded around the time of the Diocletian persecution. Venerated as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, she is invoked especially as patroness of pregnant women, servant maids, those suffering kidney ailments, and against diabolical oppression. Her feast day is July 20.