APRIL 18 – ST. APOLLONIUS, MARTYR.

MARCUS AURELIUS had persecuted the Christians, but his son, Commodus, who, in 180, succeeded him, showed him. self favorable to them out of regard to his Empress Marcia, who was an admirer of the faith. During this calm, the number of the faithful was exceedingly increased, and many persons of the first rank, among them Apollonius, a Roman senator, enlisted themselves under the banner of the cross. He was a person very well versed both in philosophy and the holy Scripture. In the midst of the peace which the Church enjoyed, he was publicly accused of Christianity by one of his own slaves. The slave was immediately condemned to have his legs broken, and to be put to death, in consequence of an edict of Marcus Aurelius, who, without repealing the former laws against convicted Christians, ordered by it that their accusers should be put to death. The slave being executed, the same judge sent an order to St. Apollonius to renounce his religion as he valued his life and fortune. The Saint courageously rejected such ignominious terms of safety, wherefore Perennis referred him to the judgment of the Roman senate, to give an account of his faith to that body. Persisting in his refusal to comply with the condition, the Saint was condemned by a decree of the Senate, and beheaded about the year 186.

REFLECTION: It is the prerogative of the Christian religion to inspire men with such resolution, and from them to such heroism, that they rejoice to sacrifice their life to truth. This is not the bare force and exertion of nature, but the undoubted power of the Almighty, whose strength is thus made perfect in weakness. Every Christian ought, by his manners, to bear witness to the sanctity of his faith. Such would be the force of universal good example, that no libertine or infidel could withstand it.

WORD OF THE DAY

CENSOR. Clerics who, according to ecclesiastical law, are appointed by the bishop of a diocese to examine before publication those writings or other media of communication that are subject to the Church’s supervision. In each case, the censor is to give his judgment in writing. If this is favorable, it should appear on the published work, usually under the phrase “nihil obstat,” meaning “nothing hinders [publication],” along with the name of the censor. The bishop’s “imprimatur” assumes a previous censorship. In religious communities a prior censorship may be required for its members. If their institute approves, the work may then be submitted to diocesan censorship. (Etym. Latin censor, a taxer, valuer, critic.)

Modern Catholic Dictionary, Fr. John Hardon SJ (Get the real one at Eternal Life — don’t accept an abridged or edited version of this masterpiece!)

This article, APRIL 18 – ST. APOLLONIUS, MARTYR. is a post from The Bellarmine Forum.
https://bellarmineforum.org/april-18-st-apollonius-martyr/
Do not repost the entire article without written permission. Reasonable excerpts may be reposted so long as it is linked to this page.