Saint Paul the Apostle
June 28, 2008 to June 29, 2009 - Jubilee Year of St. Paul
Facts about Paul:
Paul was born about A.D. 8, in what is now Turkey. Paul was a Pharisee and the son of a Pharisee. Saul was his Jewish name; Paul was his Roman name. Paul was a tentmaker by profession.
The letters or epistles of St. Paul make up one-third of the New Testament. Fourteen letters are attributed to Paul: Romans 1 and 2, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon.
Paul was beheaded outside the walls of Rome during the reign of Nero, probably between A.D. 65 and 67. Tradition has always maintained that Paul was buried where the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls now stands. Current archaeological evidence confirms this tradition: the chapel of relics in the basilica contains a set of chains said to be those which bound Paul in the last days before his execution.
source: catholic archdiocese hfx., november 9, 2008 bulletin.
Saul's conversion:
On
the road to Damascus, “a light suddenly flashed around him.” He fell to
the ground and heard the Lord's voice asking him “Saul, Saul, why are
persecuting me?” His traveling companions heard the voice but could not
see anyone. He got up from the ground but could not see. He was
totally blind. He carried on to Damascus with the assistance of his
men.
In the meantime, a disciple in Damascus name Ananias was instructed by our Lord in a vision; he was to go to a certain house where he would find Saul to which he would deliver the Lord's message and instructions. Saul regained his sight and was baptized. What makes the conversion of Saul to now St. Paul so amazing, is the fact that Saul was the staunchest enemy of the disciples at that time. Ananias was afraid to carry out the Lord's instructions and his fear was voiced in his response, “Lord, I have heard from many sources about this man, what evil things he has done to your holy ones in Jerusalem. And here he has the authority from the chief priests to imprison all who call upon your name.”
Have you ever heard the expression “I fell off my horse?” Some people use this expression when they recall an incident in which they were surprised or taken off guard. Some accounts of Saul's conversion have him falling off his horse as in the image to the right. This is probably the origin of that expression.
Feast Day: June 29
Patron Saint of Evangelists
A Prayer to the Apostle Paul
Glorious St. Paul,
Most zealous Apostle,
Martyr for the love of Christ,
Give us a deep faith,
A steadfast hope,
A burning love for our Lord;
So that we can proclaim with you,
“It is no longer I who live,
but Christ who lives in me.”
Help us to become apostles
Serving the Church with a pure heart,
Witnesses to her truth and beauty
Amidst the darkness of our days.
With you we praise God, our Father:
“To Him be the glory,
in the Church and in Christ,
now and forever.”
Amen.
ST. PAUL. PRAY FOR US!
