St. Apollinaris was the disciple of St. Peter, who preached the Gospel at Ravenna. The importance of the See of Ravenna in the Sixth Century brought about an attempt to exalt that See unduly. On this account we have in the Mass today the voice of St. Peter recommending the pastors of the Church to avoid the spirit of domination and pride, and the words of the Gospel teaching the lesion of humility. St. Apollinaris after a cruel scourging and exile was martyred at Ravenna in 79 A.D. The great cathedral of that city is dedicated to him.

(Source: The New Roman Missal, Rev. F. X. Lasance)