Saint Paulinus

Paulinus of Nola, born Pontius Meropius Anicius Paulinus around 354 and died on June 22, 431, was a Roman poet, writer, senator, and bishop. He attained the ranks of suffect consul in approximately 377 and served as governor of Campania from about 380 to 381. Prompted by his wife Therasia of Nola and the assassination of Emperor Gratian, he abandoned his career and was baptized as a Christian. After Therasia's death, he became bishop of Nola in Campania. During his tenure, he wrote poems in honor of his predecessor Saint Felix and corresponded with other Christian leaders throughout the empire. He is credited with introducing bells to Christian worship and helping resolve the disputed election of Pope Boniface I. His renunciation of wealth and station for an ascetic and philanthropic life was an example held up by contemporaries such as Augustine, Jerome, Martin, and Ambrose.

Venerated as a saint, his relics became a focus of pilgrimage in Nola, but were removed sometime between the 11th and 20th centuries. His feast day is observed on June 22 in both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.