Paulinus of Nola

Paulinus of Nola was born around 354 in Bordeaux, in southwestern Gaul, into a distinguished senatorial family. Brilliantly educated and destined for public honor, he rose to become suffect consul in Rome and later governor of Campania. Yet the upheavals of his age—especially the assassination of Emperor Gratian—helped turn his heart from ambition to Christ. Guided by the faith of his Hispanic wife, Therasia, he received baptism at Bordeaux and, after the death of their only child soon after birth, the couple chose a life of prayer, simplicity, and generous charity. Ordained a priest in Barcelona, Paulinus soon withdrew to Nola near Naples, drawn by devotion to Saint Felix. There he poured his wealth into caring for the poor and welcoming pilgrims, rebuilt churches in Felix’s honor, and formed a small monastic community. After Therasia’s death he became bishop of Nola, serving for about twenty years, writing revered poems and letters, and aiding the wider Church, including in the contested election of Pope Boniface I. He is honored as patron of Senigallia, Sutera, Torregrotta, and Villamaina. His feast day is June 22.