Paul, Apostle and Martyr

This saint was originally called by a Jewish name, Saul. He was born in the year A.D. 5 and studied under a renowned rabbi in Jerusalem. He became a rigid adherent of Jewish law, and an obsessed persecutor of the Christians. But one day, Christ appeared to Saul and his heart and life were turned around forever. He took on the name Paul and became a great missionary for the early Church, writing many letters to support or challenge new Christians, and helping expand the faith around the Mediterranean Sea.