St. Paul has one of the most dramatic and famous conversion stories of all time.

Saul was born a Roman citizen in Tarsus. Saul was a highly educated Jewish man who was trained in classical disciplines such as rhetoric and in the strict observance of Mosaic law. Saul was a zealous Pharisee and had returned to Tarsus before Jesus began his public ministry in Palestine.

In fact, Saul was so zealous about the law that he persecuted Christians because they departed from it in their following of Jesus. He was in the crowd that murdered St. Stephen, the first martyr, and violently persecuted other Christians. He would drag Christians out of their homes, shackle them with chains, and throw them in prison.

He asked permission to round up all the Christians in Damascus and march them, in chains, to Jerusalem as an example. On his way to Damascus, he was surrounded by an intensely bright light from heaven and was struck to the ground. “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me,” a voice called out. “Who are you, sir?” Saul cried out. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9).

Saul was converted at that moment, and the Lord instructed him to go into Damascus, where he would be told what to do. Saul got up, but realized he could not see—he had been struck blind by the vision.

He was led into the city and sheltered there until a Christian named Ananias was told by the risen Lord to find Saul and lay hands on him and heal him. Ananias had heard about this Saul and was reluctant, but followed Jesus’ instructions and laid hands on him. Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes and he regained his sight.

Saul was baptized and changed his name to Paul, and almost immediately began preaching in the synagogues that Jesus was the Son of God. He went on to make missionary journeys through southern Europe and Asia Minor, and converted many—especially among people who were not Jewish. Fourteen of his letters are preserved as part of the New Testament.

Paul was killed in Rome by beheading, the method of execution for Roman citizens, which is why he is often depicted with a sword (as he is here from this window in the chapel of Morrissey Hall). His relics rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica, including part of the column where he was beheaded. His conversion is depicted in a stained glass window there.

St. Paul, apostle whose encounter with the persecuted Christ changed the course of your life and Christian history—pray for us!