Bishop urges Catholics to study about St. Paul, celebrate his life

Published: 2008-01-25

WILMINGTON, Del. (CNS) -- In a pastoral letter on "Celebrating the Year of St. Paul," Bishop Michael A. Saltarelli of Wilmington has called on the faithful in his diocese to discern "how best to study, pray and celebrate the life, inspired writing, spirituality and missionary spirit of St. Paul." He issued the pastoral in anticipation of the worldwide observance proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI. It will run from June 28 of this year to June 29, 2009. In a 5,000-word letter to the people of the Diocese of Wilmington released on the eve of the Jan. 25 feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, the bishop offered six themes to consider for the Pauline year's observance: Paul's conversion experience and our personal conversion; living and praying Christ; praying, studying and living the inspired word of God; lifting high the cross of Christ; rekindling a love for the Eucharist and the church; and the universal call to holiness and mission. He also suggested 10 ways to observe the coming Pauline year -- from studying church teachings to participating in parish devotions, discussions and pilgrimages to exploring Pauline themes in film and art.

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