The Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle
The apostle Paul was the outstanding Apostle of the Church through his writings. His life, conversion, teaching, and missionary work make him singular among all the other Apostles and merit for him the title of “Apostle of the Gentiles.”
It was at the death of Stephen that Paul realized a new force in the community of peoples about him, for he was present when Stephen preached (Acts 7:1-53) and witnessed his martyrdom (Acts 7:54-60)
Paul’s first encounter with Christ was on the road to Damascus, where he went to arrest some followers of this new religion. It was here that God manifested His glory to Paul, as the Apostle wrote: “For God, who said ‘let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts, that we in turn might make known the glory of God shining on the face of Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6). (Cf. also Acts 9:1-23; 22:1-21; 26:1-19.)
After his vision on the Damascus road, Paul went into the city and was baptized by Ananias (Acts 9:20-19), and it was in that city that the Apostle began his preaching. He went into Arabia (Gal. 1:17), and many have considered this a further preparation, like a retreat, for more apostolic work. At any account, Paul made a journey to Jerusalem and met St. Peter (Gal. 1:18-20; cf. Acts 9:26-30) and was accorded the recommendation of St. Barnabas (Acts. 9:26-27).
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The Archdiocese Celebrates
Consecrated Life
Archbishop Alexander K. Sample will celebrate Mass honoring those living in consecrated life. The Mass will be held at st. Mary’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Monday, February 3 at 7:00 pm. A reception will follow.
The Archdiocese of Portland is fortunate to include twenty-one religious communities of men, thirty religious communities of women, three consecrated virgins and three hermit sisters. Religious sisters, brothers, priests and monks follow Christ by living their professed vows and the particular charism of their community. Consecrated virgins are lay people who make vows to the local bishop, and live those vows in the secular world. Those in consecrated life serve in a variety of ministries in parishes and throughout the archdiocese. Some members in consecrated life teach in Catholic universities, high schools and elementary schools. Some staff parishes, some minister to those in jail, some serve as campus ministers, and some serve in hospitals and health care centers. Some serve in Pastoral Center offices of the Archdiocese.
In 1997 Pope John Paul II established a day to celebrate those called to live consecrated lives. They give witness to the Church by their call to holiness. World Day for Consecrated Life is celebrated on February 2nd of each year.
All parishioners are invited to join attend this Mass.
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REST IN PEACE
In your prayers, please remember †Stefania Nizińska who entered Eternal Life on January 16, 2014. Our condolences are offered to her family and friends. In this time of sadness, may they know God’s consolation.