Consecrated on May 9, 549 (yes, A.D. 549, no number missing) by Bishop Maximian, in a Ravenna that was the most important Italian outpost of the Roman Empire led by Justinian, the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe is one of the most important and truly beautiful religious buildings in the world.
Today, after many decades, this historic building once again witnessed the liturgy of the West which was its own for centuries. Celebrated by Cardinal Burke, a Pontifical Mass was held in the nearly 1500-year-old building.
Ad multos annos -- our wishes for this most venerable Basilica (may it stand until the end of Time!) and the celebrant.
