St. Apollinaris, Bishop, Martyr–R (III) – St. Liborius, Bishop, Confessor–W (Comm.)

As first bishop and only known martyr of Ravenna, Italy, Apollinaris evangelized that region and laid down his life for his flock about A.D. 200 after a succession of banishments and harassments from the pagans. Many miracles were ascribed to his intercession. He had perfectly fulfilled the command of St. Peter to those ordained to the ministry of souls: “Tend the flock of God which is among you . . . becoming from the heart a pattern to the flock” (Reading).