Saint Paulinus of Nola

Saint Paulinus of Nola was a man who gave up a life of wealth and comfort to follow Christ. He is also known as Pontius Meropius Anicius Paulinus. He was born into a rich Roman family. He had power, land, and a high position. But he chose a very different path.

He became a Christian and gave away most of his money. He lived a simple life. He helped the poor and prayed often. He became a bishop, though he never wanted to be one.

Paulinus is known for his writings. He wrote poems and letters. He used his words to teach and to help others grow in faith.

He is remembered as a saint because of his love for God and people. He died around the year 431. Today, the Church honors his life and example.

Paulinus was born around the year 354 in what is now France. His family was rich and part of the Roman ruling class. He went to school in Bordeaux. He learned from famous teachers and became very smart.

He served in the Roman government. He was a senator and later became a governor in Italy. He had land, power, and respect. He also married a woman named Therasia. She was from Spain and also came from a noble family.

But their life changed when their baby son died. This loss made them think deeply about life and faith. They turned to God for comfort. Paulinus and Therasia both became Christians. They were baptized together.

After his baptism, Paulinus gave away his money and land. He and his wife chose to live simply. They helped the poor and prayed often. They moved to Nola, a small town in Italy, where Paulinus had heard about a holy man named Saint Felix.

In Nola, Paulinus began a new life. He lived near the tomb of Saint Felix, a local martyr. Paulinus had a deep respect for Felix. He believed Felix had helped him in prayer. Many people came to this tomb, and Paulinus welcomed them.

He built a small church there and also a home for pilgrims. He and Therasia lived simply. They prayed, fasted, and helped others. Paulinus wrote poems to honor Saint Felix each year. These poems still exist today.

He also started a small group of men who lived like monks. They lived together, worked, and prayed. It was not a strict monastery, but it was close. Paulinus helped spread this kind of life in the Western Church.

Many people came to visit him in Nola. They came for advice or to see how he lived. Though he was quiet and humble, his life touched many people. He was known for his kindness and wisdom.

Even though he did not want to lead, the people of Nola chose Paulinus as their bishop. He accepted the role out of love for the people. As bishop, he still lived simply. He did not use fancy things or ask for praise.

He cared for the poor and for pilgrims. He worked hard to serve the Church in Nola. He did not travel much, but he stayed in touch with other Church leaders through letters.

Paulinus wrote letters to Saint Augustine, Saint Jerome, and others. These letters show us what he believed. They also show his love for Christ and the Church. He also wrote poems that spoke about faith, prayer, and the saints.

His words were simple and clear. Many people learned from his writing. His poems about Saint Felix helped people see the value of holy living and devotion.

Paulinus died around the year 431. People honored him as a saint even before the Church had a formal process for naming saints. His life showed great faith, kindness, and service.

His feast day is June 22. On this day, the Church remembers his life. He is the patron saint of Nola, and also of people who suffer from false accusations. Some also pray to him for help with ear pain, because of a story about healing.

His writings are still read today. His poems are some of the earliest Christian poems in the West. His letters help us understand how early Christians lived and thought.

Saint Paulinus showed that it is possible to give up everything and still live a full life. He gave up riches, but he gained joy in Christ. His life still speaks to those who want to live simply and serve others.

Paulinus of Nola: Life, Letters, and Poems

This book by Dennis E. Trout looks at the life and writings of Saint Paulinus of Nola. Paulinus was a Roman senator who gave up his rich life to become a monk, bishop, and Christian poet. The book uses many old sources and new research to show who Paulinus was and what he did. It tells about his life before and after his conversion. It also looks at the people he knew, like Jerome and Augustine, and the troubles of the Church in his time. Trout helps us see Paulinus as a full person living in a time of change.