St. Paulinus of Nola

Their story

Paulinus was born around 354 in Bordeaux, in Roman Gaul, to a wealthy and distinguished family. He received a fine education, became known as a poet, and held high office in the Roman government. He married a devout Spanish Christian named Therasia, and under her influence he grew in faith and was baptized. The couple had one son, who died a few days after birth. In their grief Paulinus and Therasia gave their lives completely to God. They sold most of their vast estates and gave the money to the poor, and they lived together in prayer and simplicity. The people of Barcelona were so impressed that they insisted Paulinus be ordained a priest. The couple then settled in Nola, near Naples, beside the tomb of St. Felix, a martyr Paulinus loved. There they built a church and a shelter for the poor and pilgrims, and lived a quiet life of prayer, hospitality and service. Paulinus became one of the first great Christian poets in Latin. He was a friend of many saints of his time and wrote to St. Augustine, St. Jerome, St. Ambrose and St. Martin of Tours. Around 409 he was chosen bishop of Nola, and he served his people with gentleness through hard times, including the invasion of Italy by the Visigoths. He died on June 22, 431.