Sensitive to the needs of today's Christians, Pope Benedict XVI uses the teachings of St. Paul as a foundation for encouraging hope and spiritual wisdom within the modern Church.

* Blinded, then enlightened.
* Instructed, then sent out to instruct.
* Imprisoned ... beaten ... shipwrecked ... and ultimately martyred for his faith in Christ the Lord.

Few human beings have experienced such a profound walk with the Lord as St. Paul has. It was his devotion to Christ and willingness to endure any amount of suffering for the sake of His Church that inspired Pope Benedict to declare the Year of Saint Paul. In a series of homilies, Pope Benedict delves into the rich inheritance left to the Church by St. Paul, exploring the timeless story of his history, dramatic conversion, and ministry.

As he pastored fledgling churches with words of enouragement, occasional admonishment, and exquisitely profound teaching, St. Paul continues to be a prevailing source of theological wisdom today.

"The Apostle Paul, an outstanding and almost inimitable yet stimulating figure, stands before us as an example of total dedication to the Lord and to his Church, as well as of great openness to humanity and its cultures." -- Pope Benedict XVI