View source for Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle

{{Feasts
|FeastName=Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle
|FeastStage=Feast
|FeastDate=January 25
|FeastType=Fixed
|LiturgicalSeason=Ordinary Time
|PrimaryShrine=Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls
|PrimaryShrineCoordinates=41.8689, 12.4766
|NotableAddress1=Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Via Ostiense, 18, 00146 Roma RM, Italy
|NotableLabel1=Tomb of Saint Paul
|NotableCoordinates1=41.8689, 12.4766
|NotableAddress2=Conversion of Saint Paul Shrine, 4120 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103, United States
|NotableLabel2=Shrine dedicated to the Conversion
|NotableCoordinates2=41.5014, -81.6914
|NotableAddress3=Cathedral of Saint Paul National Shrine, 239 Selby Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55102, United States
|NotableLabel3=National Shrine of the Apostle Paul
|NotableCoordinates3=44.9453, -93.1522
|NotableAddress4=Church of Saint Ananias, Hanania Alley, Bab Touma, Damascus, Syria
|NotableLabel4=Site of Paul's Baptism
|NotableCoordinates4=33.5125, 36.3064
|AssociatedCountries=Universal
|ReviewLevel=3
}}
The '''Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle''' is a [[feast]] in the [[Roman Rite]] of the [[Catholic Church]] that commemorates the dramatic transformation of Saul of Tarsus, a persecutor of early Christians, into the Apostle Paul following his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to [[Damascus]]. Celebrated annually on January 25, this observance highlights the power of divine grace in effecting personal conversion and underscores Paul's subsequent role as the "Apostle to the Gentiles," whose missionary zeal and theological writings profoundly shaped Christian doctrine. According to the [[General Roman Calendar]], the feast falls within [[Ordinary Time]], serving as a pivotal moment between the Christmas season and [[Lent]], inviting the faithful to reflect on their own journey of faith amid the broader [[liturgical year]].

The event, detailed in the [[Acts of the Apostles]] (Acts 9:1–19, 22:6–21, 26:12–18), is not merely biographical but ecclesial, symbolizing the Church's mission to proclaim the [[Gospel]] to all nations. While not a [[solemnity]] or [[Holy Day of Obligation]], it holds significant devotional weight, particularly in [[dioceses]] with strong Pauline traditions, and is observed universally under the authority of the [[Vatican]]. Liturgical tradition holds that this feast emphasizes themes of mercy, repentance, and apostolic vocation, distinct from the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29.

In contemporary practice, the feast encourages catechesis on conversion as an ongoing process, as articulated in papal teachings. Evidence from early Church calendars suggests its integration into the Roman liturgy by the eighth century, evolving to focus on the conversion rather than relic processions. This reflects the Church's commitment to verifiable scriptural foundations while fostering devotional practices in [[shrines]] and parishes worldwide.

== Liturgical observance ==
The liturgical color for the feast is white, symbolizing joy and purity in the Roman Rite.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/january-25-the-conversion-of-saint-paul-apostle/ |title=The Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle—Feast |date=January 25, 2025 |publisher=My Catholic Life!}}</ref> Ranked as a feast in the [[General Roman Calendar]] (2002 edition), it takes precedence over ferial days but yields to Sundays of Advent, Lent, or higher-ranking feasts; local [[dioceses]] may adapt per their ordo.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents/rc_con_ccdds_doc_20030313_ordinamento-messale_en.html |title=General Instruction of the Roman Missal |date=March 13, 2003 |publisher=Vatican}}</ref> No special rites such as the imposition of ashes or baptismal renewal are prescribed, though the [[Mass]] proper includes prayers invoking Paul's witness to the light of Christ.

The readings, drawn from the Lectionary for Mass (no. 519), center on the conversion narrative: the first reading is Acts 22:3–16 (or alternatively Acts 9:1–22), recounting Saul's vision of Christ and baptism by Ananias; the responsorial psalm is Psalm 117 with the refrain "Go out to all the world, and tell the Good News" (from Mark 16:15); and the Gospel is Mark 16:15–18, Jesus' commission to proclaim the Gospel with accompanying signs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012525.cfm |title=Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle |date=January 25, 2025 |publisher=United States Conference of Catholic Bishops}}</ref> The Gloria is sung, and the Creed may be recited, aligning with norms for feasts in the [[Missale Romanum]] (third edition, 2002). This cannot be confirmed for Eastern Catholic rites, which may observe variations.

== History ==
The origins of the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul trace to sixth-century Gaul (modern France), where it emerged as a local commemoration possibly tied to the reception of Pauline relics.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stcatherinercc.org/single-post/2019/01/23/why-do-we-celebrate-st-pauls-conversion |title=Why Do We Celebrate St. Paul's Conversion? |date=January 23, 2019 |publisher=Saint Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church}}</ref> By the early eighth century, it appears in calendars such as that of Saint Willibrord, titled "Conversio," indicating its spread in Western Europe.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2022/01/liturgical-notes-on-conversion-of-st.html |title=Liturgical Notes on the Conversion of St Paul |date=January 25, 2022 |publisher=The New Liturgical Movement}}</ref> The feast gained universality in the Roman liturgy by the ninth century, though its focus shifted from relic veneration to the conversion event following the 1969 calendar reform under Pope Paul VI, which emphasized scriptural foundations over historical accessions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2022-01-25 |title=Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, Apostle - January 25, 2022 |date=January 25, 2022 |publisher=Catholic Culture}}</ref> According to the *General Roman Calendar* (2002), it remains fixed on January 25, with no major alterations since; consult local diocesan calendars for variations, such as in the Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter.

== Theological significance ==
The feast's Christological significance lies in its portrayal of divine initiative in human salvation, as Saul's blinding light encounter reveals Christ identifying with His persecuted Church ("Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" – Acts 9:4). This underscores the ecclesial dimension of conversion, where personal transformation serves the mission of the [[Church]], echoing the Great Commission (Mark 16:15).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012525.cfm |title=Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle |date=January 25, 2025 |publisher=United States Conference of Catholic Bishops}}</ref> The *Catechism of the Catholic Church* (nos. 596, 611) links Paul's zeal as a persecutor to the mystery of Christ's Passion, presenting his turnaround as a model of graced repentance and apostolic vocation.<ref>{{cite book |title=Catechism of the Catholic Church |edition=2nd |date=1997 |publisher=Libreria Editrice Vaticana |isbn=978-0-877-93191-9 |pages=142–143, 154}}</ref>

Pope Benedict XVI, in a 2010 audience, described the conversion as a "death to self" and mystical union with the crucified Christ, emphasizing its ongoing relevance for believers seeking deeper communion amid secular challenges.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://catholicpreaching.com/wp/the-real-meaning-of-st-pauls-conversion-feast-of-the-conversion-of-st-paul-january-25-2023/ |title=The Real Meaning of St. Paul's Conversion |date=January 25, 2023 |publisher=Catholic Preaching}}</ref> Liturgical tradition holds this as an invitation to metanoia, though interpretations vary; evidence suggests no dogmatic definitions attach solely to the feast.

This reflects universal Roman Rite observance; Eastern Catholic or local calendars may differ.

== Veneration and traditions ==
Universal veneration centers on personal reflection and catechesis, with the feast serving as an ecumenical touchpoint observed by Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants alike.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://saintcyrils.church/the-conversion-of-saint-paul-the-apostle/ |title=The Conversion of Saint Paul, the Apostle |date=January 8, 2025 |publisher=Saint Cyril of Alexandria Melkite Greek Catholic Church}}</ref> In devotional practice, the faithful may renew baptismal promises or participate in missions, though no prescribed processions or foods are mandated by the *Missale Romanum*. According to popular devotion in Pauline societies, such as the Society of Saint Paul, special [[Vespers]] or lectures on Acts 9 are common, but this cannot be confirmed as universal.

Local customs include theatrical reenactments in Malta, where Saint Paul is patron, blending the conversion with shipwreck traditions, though these are more tied to June 29.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/feastday-highlights-conversion-st-paul-january-25/ |title=Feastday Highlights: Conversion of St. Paul, January 25 |date=January 25, 2014 |publisher=Catholic Culture}}</ref> In the United States, parishes often host conversion testimonies, reflecting immigrant narratives. Music features hymns like "Amazing Grace," adapted from Paul's story, but originates from devotional tradition rather than liturgy. Global variations exist; for instance, Syrian Christians visit Damascus sites informally.

== Significant locations ==
{{FeastMapSimple}}

== Dynamic content ==
=== Parishes ===
{{Feast parish map|Where=Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle|zoom=3|Feast=Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle}}

=== Media ===
{{Feast media|Where=Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle}}

=== Shrines ===
==== Dynamic shrines ====
{{Feast shrines|Where=Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle}}
====List of shrines ====
===== Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls =====
- Built in the fourth century over Saint Paul's tomb and rebuilt after the 1823 fire, this basilica serves as the primary shrine for the Apostle, with connections to the feast through annual commemorations of his martyrdom and conversion.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul