Year Of St. Paul

This Thursday Pope Benedict the 16th will proclaim the Year of St. Paul on the evening of the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. This year will mark the 2000th year of the birth of St. Paul thought to be born between 6 and 8 AD.

Pope Benedict XVI will preside at the celebration of first Vespers in the basilica of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls. This is the location that archaeologists confirmed last December was the resting place of St. Paul.(See image above)

During the ceremony, the Pope will proclaim a year especially dedicated to St. Paul, to mark the 2000th anniversary of the birth of the "Apostle of the Gentiles."

His ministry here still continues through the prayers and intercessions he makes for us before the throne of God. Can you imagine St. Paul not praying for conversions? I am sure if he is within earshot of the angels that rejoice when one converts , he no doubt shouts a hearty "Praise God! along with them.

This may be an excellent time to start a Novena to St. Paul. There's one below if you are so inclined. A Novena is a prayer said for a particular intention over a 9 day period, based on the 9 days the apostles tarried and prayed in Jerusalem as instructed by our Lord. Not an incantation, or superstition. Just fervent faith-filled intercession through the communion we have with all believers, here and beyond.

Novena to St. Paul the Apostle

Entrust your special intentions to St. Paul
and offer the following prayer,
concluding with an Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.

O St. Paul the Apostle, preacher of truth and Doctor of the Gentiles, intercede for us to God, who chose you.

You are a vessel of election, O St. Paul the Apostle.
Preacher of truth to the whole world.

O God, you have instructed many nations through the preaching of the blessed apostle Paul. Let the power of his intercession with you help us who venerate his memory this day.