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St. Paul
St. Paul was born at Tarsus, of Jewish parents, and studied at Jerusalem. While still a young man, he trained in the schools of the Pharisees and saw Christians as enemies.
He had letters from the high-priest of Jerusalem, authorizing him to search for Christians and bring them before Jewish courts. He stood by and watched those who stoned the martyr Stephen, and in his angry state he pressed on to Damascus, “persecuting the disciples of Christ.”
But near Damascus a light from Heaven struck him to the earth. He heard a voice which said, “Why are you persecuting me?”
He saw the form of Christ, and then for three days he saw nothing more. He awoke from his trance a new man, a new person in Jesus Christ. He left Damascus for a long retreat in Arabia, and then, at the call of God, he carried the Gospel to the uttermost limits of the world, and for years he lived and labored with no thought but of the thought of Christ crucified, no desire but to spend and be spent for Him.
He became the apostle of the Gentiles. With St. Peter he consecrated Rome, our holy city, by his martyrdom, and poured into its Church all his doctrine with all his blood.
He left fourteen Epistles, which have been a fountain head of the Church’s doctrine.
Feast Day: June 29
Name Meaning: “The Small One”
Patron Saint of: Authors, Lay People, Evangelists, Reporters, Publishers.
Key Facts about Saint Thomas
- Original Name and Calling: Originally Simon (or Simeon), he was a fisherman in Bethsaida before Jesus called him to be a “fisher of men,” along with his brother Andrew.
- The Name “Rock”: Jesus gave him the name Peter (derived from Petros in Greek or Cephas in Aramaic), which means “rock,” symbolizing his foundational role in the Church.
- Leader of the Apostles: Peter was the most prominent disciple, often acting as a spokesman for the twelve, and was part of Jesus’ inner circle along with James and John.
- The Denial and Redemption: Despite promising loyalty, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times on the night of his arrest, but was later redeemed and commissioned by Jesus to lead.
- Keys of the Kingdom: Jesus promised to give Peter “the keys of the kingdom of heaven,” a symbol of his authority.
- Early Church Leader: Following Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, Peter took a leadership role in Jerusalem, performing miracles and preaching, before traveling to Rome to lead the Christian community there.
- Martyrdom: According to tradition, Peter was martyred between 64-68 CE under Emperor Nero’s persecution, requesting to be crucified upside down because he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus.
- Burial Site: Peter is believed to be buried under St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
- Authorship: The biblical letters 1 Peter and 2 Peter are attributed to him.
What Saint Thomas is Known For
- Spokesman for Jesus: He often spoke for the disciples and was usually mentioned first in the Bible.
- First Pope: Roman Catholic tradition recognizes him as the first Bishop of Rome.
- Bold Preaching: He delivered a defining sermon on the day of Pentecost.
- Opening Christianity to Gentiles: He was pivotal in spreading the faith beyond the Jewish community.
Novena
For nine days, say the following prayers:
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be. Antiphon: O St. Paul, the Apostle, preacher of truth and doctor of the Gentiles, intercede for us to God, who chose you.
V.
You are a vessel of election,
O Saint Paul, the Apostle.
R.
Preacher of truth to the whole world.
Prayer:
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.
Amen.
Amen.
