St. Apollonia (200-249) boldly preached the Gospel, gaining many converts, despite her father’s objections and the pervasive persecutions of Christians. During the Decian persecution in 249 AD, a mob tortured her, removing all of her teeth. She faced the choice to renounce her faith or be burned alive. In a show of unwavering conviction, she voluntarily jumped into the fire, earning her martyrdom.
Questions for Reflection:
- St. Apollonia’s courageous defiance inspired many early Christians to stand up for their faith despite the threat of death. How do you stand up for injustice around you?
- The world provides many temptations that distract us from what really matters: faith. How do you stay actively committed to your faith despite pressures to change?
