Failure can’t do it. Cancer can’t do it. Addiction can’t do it. Depression can’t do it. Nothing can do it – do what? Nothing can separate us from the love of God (Cf. Rom 8:31-39). We celebrate the Year of Saint Paul(June 28, 2008 – June 29, 2009) to deepen our conviction about truths of faith like this that are recorded by this great Apostle to the Gentiles and that undergird our hope.
Pope Benedict XVI has called us to begin this year-long celebration on the Vigil of Sts. Peter and Paul, June 28, 2008. During this year, our Holy Father invites us to strengthen our love for the word of God as a way to honor the Apostle who was unsurpassed in zeal for proclaiming the Gospel. He also invites us to pray and work for unity among all the baptized, recalling how St. Paul constantly pleaded for reconciliation among the early converts to the Christian faith.
This Year that marks twenty centuries since the birth of St. Paul will be celebrated throughout the world and especially in Rome where he was martyred, buried and honored with the magnificent Basilica of St. Paul Outside-the-Walls. Pope Benedict also encourages each local Diocese to enter fully into the graces of the Holy Year.(Read full text of Bishop Olmsted's Letter)
"Pray without ceasing" St. Paul tells us in his letter to the Thessolonians (1 Thess 5:17). Model him by renewing your prayer life and committing more time each
Paul journeyed throughout his world to spread the Gospel and encounter God in a varity of places. Take advantage of the ancient practice of pilgrimage by visiting one of our local cites or traveling abroad.
" All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Tim 3:16). Commit yourself to reading scripture each day and studying God's word.
"We were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves" Paul tells the Thessolonians (1 Thess 2:8). Model Paul by living your faith and sharing the "good news" with others.
