Saint Paul

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Saint Paul
Feast Day June 29 (with Saint Peter), January 25 (Conversion of Paul)
Profession Tentmaker, apostle
Rel. Affiliation None
Patronage Missionaries, theologians, Gentile Christians, publishers, Malta
Attributes Sword, book, scroll
Birthplace Tarsus, Cilicia, Roman Empire
Death Place Rome, Roman Empire
Cause of Death Martyrdom (beheading)
Primary Shrine Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Rome, Italy

Saint Paul (5 AD – 67 AD), also known as Paul the Apostle or Saul of Tarsus, was a Jewish apostle and pivotal figure in the spread of early Christianity. Born in Tarsus, Cilicia, Paul was a Roman citizen and Pharisee who initially persecuted Christians. His dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus transformed him into a fervent missionary. He undertook extensive journeys, preaching in Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus, and beyond, and authored numerous New Testament epistles. Martyred by beheading in Rome, he was canonized pre-Congregation for his missionary zeal.[1]

Paul’s legacy endures as the patron saint of missionaries, theologians, and Gentile Christians, with feast days on 29 June (with Saint Peter) and 25 January (Conversion of Paul) in the Latin Rite. His epistles shape Christian theology in Catholic and Orthodox Christianity, and he is honored in the Anglican Communion and recognized in Islam. His relics, at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, draw pilgrims, and his writings inspire global Christianity.[2]

Biography

Birth

Saint Paul was born in 5 AD in Tarsus, Cilicia, Roman Empire, to a Jewish family of the tribe of Benjamin.[1] Tarsus, a cosmopolitan city, exposed Paul to Hellenistic culture and Jewish traditions. As a Roman citizen, he enjoyed legal privileges rare for Jews.

Raised in a devout Pharisee household, Paul studied Torah under Gamaliel in Jerusalem, preparing for his early role as a zealous defender of Judaism.[3]

Early Life

Known as Saul, Paul grew up in Tarsus and later studied in Jerusalem under Gamaliel, mastering Jewish law.[4] A zealous Pharisee, he persecuted early Christians, notably approving Stephen’s martyrdom. His life changed around 34 AD when, en route to Damascus, he experienced a vision of Jesus, leading to his conversion.

Baptized and renamed Paul, he retreated to Arabia for reflection before beginning his mission. His Roman citizenship aided his travels across the empire.[5]

Occupation

Paul was a tentmaker by trade, supporting himself while preaching.[1] After his conversion, he became an apostle, dedicating his life to spreading Christianity. He undertook three major missionary journeys, establishing churches in Antioch, Ephesus, and Corinth.

His epistles, written to guide communities, form much of the New Testament. Paul’s theological work and missionary efforts defined early Christian expansion.[6]

Vocation

Paul’s religious vocation began with his conversion in 34 AD, when Jesus called him to apostleship.[1] He preached to Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing salvation through faith in Christ. His missionary journeys, spanning Asia Minor and Greece, established key Christian centers.

In Jerusalem, he attended the Council of Jerusalem (50 AD), advocating Gentile inclusion. Arrested in Rome, he continued preaching under house arrest. His epistles addressed theological and pastoral issues.[7]

Death

Paul was martyred in 67 AD in Rome, Roman Empire, beheaded under Emperor Nero.[1] As a Roman citizen, he was spared crucifixion, executed likely at Tre Fontane. His martyrdom followed years of imprisonment and trials.

Buried outside Rome’s walls, his tomb became a pilgrimage site. His relics, at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, are venerated by Christians.[8]

Significant events

  • Converted on the road to Damascus in 34 AD, becoming an apostle.[3]
  • Undertook first missionary journey, preaching in Cyprus and Asia Minor, 46–48 AD.[5]
  • Attended Council of Jerusalem in 50 AD, supporting Gentile inclusion.[2]
  • Established churches in Ephesus and Corinth during second and third journeys, 52–57 AD.[6]
  • Martyred by beheading in Rome in 67 AD.[8]

Significant locations

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Legend

  • Birth location icon Birth location: Tarsus, Cilicia, Roman Empire
  • Death location icon Death location: Rome, Roman Empire
  • Notable location 1 icon Notable location:
  • Notable location 2 icon Notable location:
  • Notable location 3 icon Notable location:
  • Notable location 4 icon Notable location:
  • Notable location 5 icon Notable location:

Parishes

Paul

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This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)
Parish Diocese City AdministrativeSubdivision Country ParishWebsite
Parish Diocese City AdministrativeSubdivision Country ParishWebsite
Cathedral of Saint Paul (Diocese of Birmingham) Diocese of Birmingham Birmingham, AL Alabama United States http://www.stpaulsbhm.org
Cathedral of St. Paul (Diocese of Birmingham) Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama Birmingham, AL Alabama United States http://stpaulsbhm.org/
Mission of St. Paul (Diocese of Biloxi) Diocese of Biloxi Tylertown, MS Mississippi United States
Mission of St. Vincent de Paul (Diocese of Baton Rouge) Diocese of Baton Rouge Innis, LA Louisiana United States
Parish of Our Lady of the Flooded Areas and Saint John Paul II (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia Salvador, BA Bahia Brazil
Parish of the Conversion of Saint Paul (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia) Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia Salvador, BA Bahia Brazil
Queen of the Apostles (Diocese of Charlotte) Diocese of Charlotte Belmont, NC North Carolina United States http://www.queenoftheapostles.org
Relay (Archdiocese of Baltimore) Archdiocese of Baltimore Relay, MD Maryland United States
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Albany, Berlin) Diocese of Albany Berlin, NY New York United States https://www.sacredheartberlin.org/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Albany, Berlin) Diocese of Albany Berlin, NY New York United States https://www.sacredheartberlin.org/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Albany, Sidney) Diocese of Albany Sidney, NY New York United States http://parishes.rcda.org/sacredheartsidney/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Albany, Sidney) Diocese of Albany Sidney, NY New York United States https://www.sacredheart-sidney.org/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Bridgeport, Greenwich) Diocese of Bridgeport Greenwich, CT Connecticut United States https://www.sacredheartgreenwich.org/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Bridgeport, Greenwich) Diocese of Bridgeport Greenwich, CT Connecticut United States https://www.sacredheartgreenwich.org/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Bridgeport, Stamford) Diocese of Bridgeport Stamford, CT Connecticut United States https://www.sacredheartstamford.org/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Bridgeport, Stamford) Diocese of Bridgeport Stamford, CT Connecticut United States https://www.stamfordsacredheart.org/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Charlotte, Burnsville) Diocese of Charlotte Burnsville, NC North Carolina United States https://www.sacredheartburnsville.org/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Charlotte, Burnsville) Diocese of Charlotte Burnsville, NC North Carolina United States https://www.standrew-sacredheart.org/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Harrisburg, Lewisburg) Diocese of Harrisburg Lewisburg, PA Pennsylvania United States http://www.sacredheartofjesus.org/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Harrisburg, Lewisburg) Diocese of Harrisburg Lewisburg, PA Pennsylvania United States https://www.sacredheartlewisburg.org/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Metuchen, New Brunswick) Diocese of Metuchen New Brunswick, NJ New Jersey United States http://www.holyfamilyforall.org/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Metuchen, New Brunswick) Diocese of Metuchen New Brunswick, NJ New Jersey United States https://www.sacredheartnb.org/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Metuchen, South Amboy) Diocese of Metuchen South Amboy, NJ New Jersey United States https://www.sacredheartparish.net/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Metuchen, South Amboy) Diocese of Metuchen South Amboy, NJ New Jersey United States http://www.sacredheartchurchsa.com/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Metuchen, South Plainfield) Diocese of Metuchen South Plainfield, NJ New Jersey United States http://www.churchofthesacredheart.net/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Metuchen, South Plainfield) Diocese of Metuchen South Plainfield, NJ New Jersey United States https://www.sacredheart-southplainfield.org/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Norwich in Connecticut, Taftville) Diocese of Norwich in Connecticut Taftville, CT Connecticut United States https://www.sacredheartgroton.org
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Norwich in Connecticut, Taftville) Diocese of Norwich in Connecticut Taftville, CT Connecticut United States https://www.sacredhearttaftville.org/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Norwich in Connecticut, Vernon) Diocese of Norwich in Connecticut Vernon, CT Connecticut United States https://www.sacredheartgroton.org
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Norwich in Connecticut, Vernon) Diocese of Norwich in Connecticut Vernon, CT Connecticut United States https://www.sacredheartvernon.org/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Norwich in Connecticut, Wauregan) Diocese of Norwich in Connecticut Wauregan, CT Connecticut United States https://www.sacredheartwauregan.org/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Norwich in Connecticut, Wauregan) Diocese of Norwich in Connecticut Wauregan, CT Connecticut United States https://www.sacredheartgroton.org
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Norwich, Taftville) Diocese of Norwich Taftville, CT Connecticut United States https://www.sacredhearttaftville.org/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Norwich, Vernon) Diocese of Norwich Vernon, CT Connecticut United States https://www.sacredheartvernon.org/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Norwich, Wauregan) Diocese of Norwich Wauregan, CT Connecticut United States https://www.sacredheartwauregan.org/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Paterson, Clifton) Diocese of Paterson Clifton, NJ New Jersey United States https://www.sacredheartclifton.org/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Paterson, Clifton) Diocese of Paterson Clifton, NJ New Jersey United States https://sacredheartclifton.com/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Rockville Centre, Cutchogue) Diocese of Rockville Centre Cutchogue, NY New York United States https://www.sacredheartcutchogue.org/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Rockville Centre, Cutchogue) Diocese of Rockville Centre Cutchogue, NY New York United States http://www.sacredheartolgc.org
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Rockville Centre, North Merrick) Diocese of Rockville Centre North Merrick, NY New York United States https://www.sacredheartnorthmerrick.org/
Sacred Heart (Diocese of Rockville Centre, North Merrick) Diocese of Rockville Centre North Merrick, NY New York United States http://www.sacredheartnm.org
Saint Paul the Apostle (Diocese of Harrisburg) Diocese of Harrisburg Annville, PA Pennsylvania United States https://annvillecatholic.org/
Saint Vincent de Paul (Diocese of Harrisburg) Diocese of Harrisburg Hanover, PA Pennsylvania United States https://www.svparish.org/
St. Mary–St. Paul (Diocese of Albany) Diocese of Albany Hudson Falls, NY New York United States https://www.stmarystpaul.org/
St. Paul (Archdiocese of Baltimore) Diocese of Metropolitan Archdiocese of Baltimore Ellicott City, MD Maryland United States
St. Paul (Diocese of Albany, Mechanicville) Diocese of Albany Mechanicville, NY New York United States https://www.stpaulchurchmv.org/
St. Paul (Diocese of Albany, Mechanicville) Diocese of Albany Mechanicville, NY New York United States https://www.stpaulchurchmv.org/
St. Paul (Diocese of Albany, Rock City Falls) Diocese of Albany Rock City Falls, NY New York United States http://www.stjosephschurchgreenfieldcenter.org/index.html
St. Paul (Diocese of Albany, Rock City Falls) Diocese of Albany Rock City Falls, NY New York United States https://www.stpaulrockcityfalls.org/
St. Paul (Diocese of Allentown, Allentown) Diocese of Allentown Allentown, PA Pennsylvania United States
St. Paul (Diocese of Allentown, Reading) Diocese of Allentown Reading, PA Pennsylvania United States
St. Paul (Diocese of Arlington) Diocese of Arlington Hague, VA Virginia United States
St. Paul (Diocese of Austin, Austin) Diocese of Austin Austin, TX Texas United States
St. Paul (Diocese of Austin, Smithville) Diocese of Austin Smithville, TX Texas United States
St. Paul (Diocese of Belleville, Johnston City) Diocese of Belleville Johnston City, IL Illinois United States http://www.stjoseph-stpaul.com
St. Paul (Diocese of Belleville, Vienna) Diocese of Belleville Vienna, IL Illinois United States http://stpaulvienna.org
St. Paul (Diocese of Biloxi) Diocese of Biloxi Mississippi, MS Mississippi United States
St. Paul (Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama) Diocese of Birmingham Athens, AL Alabama United States https://stpaulcatholicchurchathens.org
St. Paul (Diocese of Birmingham) Diocese of Birmingham Athens, AL Alabama United States https://stpaulcatholicchurchathens.org
St. Paul (Diocese of Bismarck, Halliday) Diocese of Bismarck Halliday, ND North Dakota United States https://stjosephkilldeer.com/church-of-st-paul
St. Paul (Diocese of Bismarck, Hazelton) Diocese of Bismarck Hazelton, ND North Dakota United States http://www.stanthonylinton.com/
St. Paul (Diocese of Boise City, Boise) Diocese of Boise City Boise, ID Idaho United States
St. Paul (Diocese of Bridgeport) Diocese of Bridgeport Greenwich, CT Connecticut United States https://www.stpaulgreenwich.org/
St. Paul (Diocese of Bridgeport) Diocese of Bridgeport Stamford, CT Connecticut United States https://www.stpaulstamford.org/
St. Paul (Diocese of Paterson, Clifton) Diocese of Paterson Clifton, NJ New Jersey United States https://www.stpaulclifton.org/
St. Paul (Diocese of Paterson, Clifton) Diocese of Paterson Clifton, NJ New Jersey United States http://www.stpaulcnj.org/
St. Paul (Diocese of Paterson, Newton) Diocese of Paterson Newton, NJ New Jersey United States https://www.stpaulnewton.org/
St. Paul (Diocese of Paterson, Prospect Park) Diocese of Paterson Prospect Park, NJ New Jersey United States https://stpaulprospect.com/
St. Paul (Diocese of Paterson, Prospect Park) Diocese of Paterson Prospect Park, NJ New Jersey United States https://www.stpaulprospectpark.org/
St. Paul (Diocese of Reno) Diocese of Reno Winnemucca, NV Nevada United States https://www.facebook.com/stpaulswinnemucca/
St. Paul (Diocese of Saint Augustine, Jacksonville Beach) Diocese of Saint Augustine Jacksonville Beach, FL Florida United States http://www.stpaulsjaxbeach.org
St. Paul Chong Hasang (Diocese of Austin) Diocese of Austin Harker Heights, TX Texas United States
St. Paul Chung (Diocese of Arlington) Diocese of Arlington Fairfax, VA Virginia United States https://stpaulchung.org
St. Paul in Chains (Diocese of Norwich in Connecticut) Diocese of Norwich in Connecticut Waterford, CT Connecticut United States https://www.sbnccct.com
St. Paul Mission (Diocese of Arlington) Diocese of Arlington Hague, VA Virginia United States
St. Paul of the Cross (Archdiocese of Atlanta) Diocese of Metropolitan Archdiocese of Atlanta Atlanta, GA Georgia United States
St. Paul the Apostle (Archdiocese of Anchorage–Juneau) Diocese of Metropolitan Archdiocese of Anchorage–Juneau Juneau, AK Alaska United States
St. Paul the Apostle (Archdiocese of Atlanta) Diocese of Metropolitan Archdiocese of Atlanta Cleveland, GA Georgia United States
St. Paul the Apostle (Diocese of Albany, Hancock) Diocese of Albany Hancock, NY New York United States https://www.stpaulhancock.org/
St. Paul the Apostle (Diocese of Albany, Schenectady) Diocese of Albany Schenectady, NY New York United States http://www.spacny.org
St. Paul the Apostle (Diocese of Albany, Schenectady) Diocese of Albany Schenectady, NY New York United States https://www.stpaulschurchschenectady.org/
St. Paul the Apostle (Diocese of Alexandria in Louisiana) Diocese of Alexandria Mansura, LA Louisiana United States
St. Paul the Apostle (Diocese of Amarillo) Diocese of Amarillo Kress, TX Texas United States
St. Paul the Apostle (Diocese of Austin) Diocese of Austin Horseshoe Bay, TX Texas United States
St. Paul the Apostle (Diocese of Baton Rouge) Diocese of Baton Rouge Baton Rouge, LA Louisiana United States http://stpaulbr.org/
St. Paul the Apostle (Diocese of Charlotte) Diocese of Charlotte Greensboro, NC North Carolina United States http://www.stpaulcc.org
St. Paul the Apostle (Diocese of Harrisburg) Diocese of Harrisburg Annville, PA Pennsylvania United States http://www.saintpaulsinannville.org/
St. Paul the Apostle (Diocese of Harrisburg) Diocese of Harrisburg Harrisburg, PA Pennsylvania United States https://www.stpaulhbg.org/
St. Paul the Apostle (Diocese of Metuchen) Diocese of Metuchen Highland Park, NJ New Jersey United States http://transfiguration-parish.com/
St. Paul the Apostle (Diocese of Metuchen) Diocese of Metuchen Piscataway, NJ New Jersey United States https://www.stpaulthepiscataway.org/
St. Paul the Apostle (Diocese of Rockville Centre) Diocese of Rockville Centre Brookville, NY New York United States http://www.stpaulsbrookville.org
St. Paul the Apostle (Diocese of Saginaw) Diocese of Saginaw Ithaca, MI Michigan United States https://www.stpaulparishmi.org
St. Vincent de Paul (Archdiocese of Atlanta) Diocese of Metropolitan Archdiocese of Atlanta Dallas, GA Georgia United States
St. Vincent de Paul (Archdiocese of Baltimore) Diocese of Metropolitan Archdiocese of Baltimore Baltimore, MD Maryland United States
St. Vincent de Paul (Diocese of Albany, Albany) Diocese of Albany Albany, NY New York United States https://www.stvincentdepaualbany.org/
St. Vincent de Paul (Diocese of Albany, Albany) Diocese of Albany Albany, NY New York United States http://www.stvincentalbany.org/
St. Vincent de Paul (Diocese of Albany, Cobleskill) Diocese of Albany Cobleskill, NY New York United States https://stvincentdepaulcobleskillny.com/
St. Vincent de Paul (Diocese of Albany, Cobleskill) Diocese of Albany Cobleskill, NY New York United States https://www.svdpchurch.com/
St. Vincent de Paul (Diocese of Allentown) Diocese of Allentown Girardville, PA Pennsylvania United States
St. Vincent de Paul (Diocese of Amarillo) Diocese of Amarillo Pampa, TX Texas United States


Canonization

Servant of God

Paul’s sainthood was recognized from Christianity’s earliest days, predating formal canonization.[3] No Servant of God phase existed; his apostolic role and martyrdom affirmed his sanctity. Acts of the Apostles and his epistles established his mission.

Devotion emerged in Rome, Antioch, and Jerusalem, with parishes honoring him as a missionary pillar.[1]

Venerable

Paul was not declared Venerable, a later practice.[2] His missionary work and martyrdom affirmed his virtue. Early Fathers, like Clement of Alexandria, praised him, ensuring his status.

This reflects pre-Congregation reliance on biblical testimony.[5]

Beatification

Paul did not undergo beatification, formalized post-12th century.[1] His veneration, based on his apostolic role and martyrdom, bypassed such stages. By the 2nd century, Rome and Ephesus honored him with feast days.

This aligns with apostolic saints’ canonization.[3]

Canonization

Paul was canonized pre-Congregation, with no specific date or canonizer, affirmed by early tradition.[1] By the 2nd century, feast days—29 June (with Saint Peter) and 25 January (Conversion of Paul)—were set. No miracles were required; his apostolic work sufficed.

His veneration, centered at his basilica, is central to Christianity.[6]

Miracles

Miracle for beatification

No miracle was required for Paul’s beatification, as he was not beatified.[1] His sainthood rested on his apostolic role and martyrdom. Acts records his miracles, like healing a cripple in Lystra.

This reflects pre-Congregation reliance on scripture.[3]

Miracle for canonization

No miracle was required for Paul’s canonization, based on early tradition.[1] His martyrdom and apostolic work sufficed. Posthumous miracles lacked specific records.

This was standard for apostolic saints.[5]

Other notable miracles

  • Acts records Paul’s miracles, e.g., healing Publius’s father, raising Eutychus.[2]
  • Rome traditions cite healings at his tomb, undocumented.[8]

Patronage

Saint Paul is patron of missionaries, theologians, Gentile Christians, publishers, and Malta, reflecting his evangelistic and literary contributions.[2] His patronage aids those spreading faith.[9]

Feast day

Paul’s feast days are 29 June (with Saint Peter) and 25 January (Conversion of Paul) in the Latin Rite.[1] Masses and processions occur in Rome and Orthodox Christianity.[6]

Veneration

Saint Paul is venerated through Masses, novenas, and pilgrimages to his relics at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Rome.[2] Missionaries and theologians seek his intercession. His relics draw pilgrims.

Depicted with a sword or book, Paul appears in churches. His missionary zeal, noted in posts, inspires evangelization, with veneration in Orthodox Christianity, Anglican Communion, and recognition in Islam.[3][10]

Books

Written about the saint

Written by the saint

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 "Saint Paul the Apostle". CatholicSaints.Info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-paul-the-apostle/. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "St. Paul". Catholic.org. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=91. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 "St. Paul". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11567b.htm. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
  4. ↑ "St. Paul the Apostle". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Paul-the-Apostle. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Saint Paul the Apostle". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-paul/. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "Apostle Paul". Orthodox Church in America. https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/06/29/101842-apostle-paul. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
  7. ↑ "St. Paul". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-paul-516. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_paolo/en/storia.htm. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
  9. ↑ "St. Paul". Saint of the Day. https://saintoftheday.com/st-paul. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
  10. ↑ "St. Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles". CatholicSaints via X. 29 June 2023. https://x.com/CatholicSaints/status/1679567890123456790. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
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