Lives Of The Saints
October 5
St. Apollinaris of Valence
Apollinaris restored the troubled Church of Valence, defended Catholic faith and discipline, endured exile, and served his people with steadfast courage for thirty-four years.
Saint Apollinaris of Valence, cathedral stained glass
Brief life
Apollinaris inherited a wounded diocese and gave it the steady care of a faithful shepherd. Born into a family of saints and formed alongside his brother St. Avitus of Vienne, he became bishop of Valence when years of disorder had left the local Church in need of reform.
He restored discipline, defended Catholic teaching amid Arian influence, and took part in the councils of his time. When royal anger drove him into exile, he accepted the hardship rather than abandon his duty as a bishop. He was later restored to his people and continued his pastoral work until his death.
The details given by later accounts for the cause of his exile and the miracles surrounding his return are not equally secure. His thirty-four years of episcopal service, his relationship with Avitus, and his steadfast leadership in troubled Gaul provide the firm center of his life.
Historical note
Apollinaris of Valence is distinct from the better-known Apollinaris of Ravenna. His episcopate and exile are well grounded, while some later details about their cause and accompanying miracles are less secure.
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