ROME, JUNE 28, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The Year of St. Paul proclaimed by Benedict XVI is a time to grow in faith, hope and love, says the abbot of St. Paul Outside the Walls.
Father Edmund Power talked with ZENIT about the Pauline Year, which the Pope proclaimed today. The year begins in June 2008, symbolically marking the 2,000th anniversary of the saint's birth.
"It has a primarily spiritual scope, a time for increasing in faith, hope and love," Father Power said.
"Inspired by the teachings of St. Paul who taught us how to 'theologize' Christ, crucified and risen, we can renew our dedication to the same Christ," explained the abbot, whose community is responsible for the caretaking St. Paul's tomb.
He continued: "It will be a year honoring St. Paul including cultural and academic activities, etc. … Paul left a body of writing that make up, chronologically, the first books of the New Testament. It is hoped that the many cities, dioceses, congregations and parishes dedicated to the Apostle of the Gentiles, will find ways of celebrating their patron saint.
"Naturally the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, which houses his tomb, will be a special place of pilgrimage. We are already thinking of spiritual, liturgical, academic and cultural activities."
