|  Article 1 — Pearls of Paulby Parishioner Ben CerimeleYear of St. Paul Article Links:The Year of St. Paul ArticlesArticle 1: Pearls of PaulChurch history attests to the periodic practice of the Church in dedicating a full year of prayer, study, and spirituality to some important aspect of our faith and/or worship. In keeping with this tradition, Pope Benedict XVI has inaugurated a special year dedicated to St. Paul, labeled the "Year of Saint Paul." This year was inaugurated by Pope Benedict on June 28, 2007 and will extend until June 29, 2009. The Pope made this announcement during Vespers Service in Rome at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls which is built on the burial site of St. Paul. This year marks the bimillennial anniversary of the birth of St. Paul which is estimated to be between 7 and 10 AD. The focus on Paul is commendably suited for a Church year theme since he was the first and remains a prominent theologian of the Church; the Apostle to the Gentiles; co-founder of the Western Church; major contributor to the New Testament; and an outstanding missionary, martyr, and saint for the Church. Pope Benedict asserted that the Pauline Year will harbor a special ecumenical orientation, reflecting Saint Paul's commitment to the unity and harmony of all Christians. Each will embark on their individual journey of spirituality while united in the spirit of spreading the good news to all peoples in seeking the full unity of the Mystical Body of Christ. Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Churches, joined Pope Benedict in the inaugural liturgy and proclaimed a Year of St. Paul to be observed in the separated Eastern Orthodox Churches as well. The Pontiff affirmed that in the Pauline Basilica and attached Benedictine abbey a series of liturgical, cultural and ecumenical events, as well as various pastoral and social initiatives, will be scheduled. Special accommodations will be provided for and indulgences granted to pilgrims who visit the Basilica. Ecumenical meetings for Pauline studies will be promoted and publications of deliberations made available to promote the insightful wisdom and deep spirituality of Pauline patrimony. Also, in every part of the world, similar initiatives will be undertaken in dioceses, schools, and places of worship to revitalize our faith in light of the life and teachings of St. Paul. The Year of St. Paul will be immersed in commemorative, cultural, liturgical, and scholarly events both in Rome and throughout the Catholic world. Vatican officials are urging Catholics to study Paul in Scripture, to entreat him in prayer, and to participate in evangelistic ecumenism in keeping with the intentions and incentives of the Pauline year. With these directives in mind, this page on the OLG website, "Pearls of Paul," will be devoted to reporting the life, writings, and contributions of St. Paul in a series of monthly articles over the ensuing year. Respectfully submitted, Ben Cerimele Contact InformationIf you wish to contact us on any articles, have any questions, you can initiate contact either by: |