SAINT OF THE DAY · JUNE 22

Who was Saint Paulinus of Nola?

Saintly Editorial 2 min read
In short

Saint Paulinus of Nola: Bishop who turned power into charity and prayer. Lived c. 354 to 431. Born near Bordeaux, served Nola. Senator turned monk and bishop. Nola and the shrine of Felix. Father of the Church. Saintly remembers this saint on June 22.

  • Lived c. 354 to 431
  • Born near Bordeaux, served Nola
  • Senator turned monk and bishop
  • Nola and the shrine of Felix
  • Father of the Church

Who was Saint Paulinus of Nola?

Before he ever wore a bishop's miter, Paulinus was a governor, admired for wisdom and gentleness, yet restless for happiness. You have authority and duty too. Where do you seek joy, and what would Christ change there?

In office, people gathered in faith at Felix's tomb at Cimitile. Their devotion led Paulinus to build a hospice for the poor and a road for pilgrims. Who draws you toward Christ, and will you follow?

When his infant died after only days, Paulinus faced loss he could not explain. He and Therasia withdrew from the world, selling possessions for the needy and choosing ascetic discipline. What small surrender is your loss stirring?

As bishop of Nola, Paulinus welcomed poor debtors and strangers into his own house. He did not wait for perfect conditions. He offered daily mercy, and his building plans followed the same charity. Where can you make room today?

On his deathbed, a priest said forty silver pieces were owed for clothes for the poor. Paulinus smiled, and a messenger arrived with fifty. Then he whispered, I have prepared a lamp for my Christ. What cost are we postponing?

Paulinus drew strength from Christian friendship through letters, words Augustine praised as faith and pure charity. When disputes exhaust you, write, listen, and seek the other person's hope. The Church grows in that patient love. Will you begin there?

In the basilica he built at Nola, Paulinus set mosaics and paintings so pilgrims would learn the faith, as living books in stone. Beauty was not luxury for him, but instruction. What living book will our life become this week?

What can we learn from Saint Paulinus of Nola today?

    Paulinus shows that conversion is not an idea but a re ordering of our home, our time, and our money. In his hospice, letters, and lamp for the poor, we see a bishop shaped by charity. This is why the Church still names him today, and why we can follow.

    When is the feast day of Saint Paulinus of Nola?

    Saintly remembers Saint Paulinus of Nola on June 22, when the story above is the saint of the day in the app. Read how the Church declares someone a saint, or how to choose a patron saint.

    Sources

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