Year of St Paul - Visit of the icon of St Paul to our parish

Pope Benedict XVI has invited the Church to keep a special Jubilee year to the Apostle Paul to mark the 2000 years since his birth. This Holy Year, from June 2008 to June 2009, is being marked in our diocese in a number of ways, but in particular through the veneration of an Icon of St Paul which is being taken to some 50 parishes in the diocese.

St Paul, was once a violent persecutor of Christians. But then he had a vision of the risen and crucified one and became a faithful disciple of Christ. Indeed for love of the Lord Paul endured great suffering, even martyrdom. Today, as in earlier times, Christ needs witnesses who are ready to sacrifice themselves; witnesses and martyrs willing to live and work for Christ.

In welcoming the Icon of St Paul to our parish we unite ourselves again with the rest of our dicoese and with the Universal Church. During this week as we reflect on the example of St Paul, celebrate his life, his inspired writing, his spirituality and his missionary spirit, we call on the intercession of St Paul.

From this page you can download reflection material prepared in the parish and also photos of various activities:

Thinking about our vocation

Photo of some of those who came for a Mass of anointing for the sick

Photo of some of those who renewed their marriage vows before the icon

Some of those who renewed their marriage vows at our second celebration

Our first baptism in front of the icon