The Year of Saint Paul

The Pauline Year began on June 29th, 2008 and ends on June 29th, 2009, celebrating the birth and the works of St. Paul, the Apostle. Parishes around the world will be spending this year studying the writings and life of one of the most prominent saints in the Catholic Church. He was born at Antioch, which is now known as Turkey, spread the Gospel throughout the ancient world and now lies buried beneath the Basilica of St. Paul in Rome, Italy.

Persecutor

The story of St. Paul's conversion is one of the best known in Christendom. He was a devout Jew, who so loved his faith that he became known for his fanatical persecution of Christians. He despised them because he believed them to be heretics. On one of his trips he was knocked from his horse and a voice asked him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"

This was the beginning of his lifelong vocation as an evangelist in which he pursued the Gentiles even more zealously, but this time with the intention of saving their souls.

The Letters of Saint Paul

Thanks to his prolific letter-writing, we know much about the life of the early Church and the spread of Christianity. The Bible records his letters to the Corinthians, Galations, Ephesians, Phillipians, Collossians, Thessalonians, St. Timothy, St. Titus, St. Philomen and the Hebrews. In the Acts of the Apostles, found in the New Testament, one can read of St. Paul's three missionary trips. In 62 AD, his efforts were rewarded with his beheading, earning him the title of martyr.

"The Apostle of the Gentiles, who dedicated himself to the spreading of the good news to all peoples, spent himself for the unity and harmony of all Christians," the Pope said, as quoted in an article on Zenit.org.

Pilgrimages to Basilica of St. Paul

Pope Benedict XVI invites all people to visit the Basilica of St. Paul this year to honor the saint, participate in events celebrating the life of St. Paul and to gain spiritual benefits. He also asks all Christians, Catholics in particular, to go out and spread the Gospel of Christ throughout the world with renewed intensity. His goal is to bring together the Christian Churches to work as one in evangelizing in both word and action to show Christ to all. "The church is, by its nature, missionary; its primary task is evangelization," were the words of Pope Benedict, according to John Thavis of the Catholic News Service.

Spread the Word

Christians are always expected to behave in a way that reflects their calling in a positive way, and to tell others about the love of Christ. But this year has been chosen to inspire people around the globe to renew their faith and love for God and the good of mankind. Make use of this Pauline Year and follow his example, asking for inspiration and strength from the Holy Ghost.

The Evangelist

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