As we begin the Year of St. Paul, let’s reflect briefly on his example. There are three moments in the life of St. Paul, as well in the life of St. Peter and all the other Apostles that are very significant and must be in our ‘personal vocation’ too: conversion, mission and fidelity.

Real conversion, our personal encounter with Christ, never happens only once. The reality of our human nature calls for an ongoing conversion. Yes, it starts with that personal encounter with Jesus Christ, but as in any other relationship, needs to be renewed every day. This is the beauty of our Christian life: “to begin … and to begin again”

Just like the Apostles we are called to preach the Gospel. We have an apostolic mission. Christ gave his Church a mission. Christ wants all of us—his Church—to proclaim the gospel of reconciliation. He calls us to tell the story of God’s love and mercy to everyone, everywhere, to the ends of the earth.

Finally, we are called to be faithful. Our world needs the witness of our constant love for God and the Church. Our joyful faithfulness to Christ: time, treasure and talents in the service of God and His Church.

I pray that this Pauline Year will be a time of renewal and grace for us all.