St. Paulinus of Nola (354–431) is one of the beloved saints of the Catholic Church. Paulinus was a wealthy Roman senator and poet from Bordeaux who gave up his fortune and political career to become a monk and later the Bishop of Nola in southern Italy. He and his wife Therasia jointly decided to embrace religious life after the death of their infant son. The Church celebrates St. Paulinus of Nola's feast on 06-20.
Catholic Daily brings you the life of St. Paulinus of Nola as part of our commitment to helping Catholics encounter the saints of the liturgical calendar every morning. Whether you are discovering St. Paulinus of Nola for the first time or deepening a long-standing devotion, this page offers biography, prayers, and practical guidance for honoring this holy patron in your daily life.
Early Life and Calling of St. Paulinus of Nola
Paulinus was a wealthy Roman senator and poet from Bordeaux who gave up his fortune and political career to become a monk and later the Bishop of Nola in southern Italy. He and his wife Therasia jointly decided to embrace religious life after the death of their infant son. He is remembered for his beautiful Christian poetry and his generous correspondence with some of the greatest Church Fathers, including St. Augustine and St. Jerome.
The vocation of St. Paulinus of Nola reminds us that holiness is not the exclusive domain of monks and nuns but the universal call of every baptized Christian. The Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium teaches that all the faithful are called to the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity — and St. Paulinus of Nola's life is a shining example of that universal call answered with total generosity.
Patron Saint: Nola, bell ringers
St. Paulinus of Nola is honored as the patron saint of Nola, bell ringers. The designation of patron saints is a beautiful expression of the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the saints in heaven are not distant figures from the past but active intercessors who accompany us in our earthly journey.
Those who work in or are associated with Nola have traditionally invoked St. Paulinus of Nola's intercession for protection, guidance, and grace in their particular circumstances. The patronage of St. Paulinus of Nola is grounded in the specific details of Nola's life and ministry, which created a lasting bond between this saint and those who share similar callings or needs.
How to Honor St. Paulinus of Nola in Your Daily Life
The Church's tradition offers many beautiful ways to honor St. Paulinus of Nola and seek Nola's intercession:
On the Feast Day (06-20): Attend Mass if possible, as the liturgy on Nola's feast day will often include readings and prayers that illuminate Nola's particular sanctity. Light a candle before an image of St. Paulinus of Nola and spend a few minutes in prayer.
Daily Devotion: Place an image or icon of St. Paulinus of Nola in your home — in your prayer corner, on your desk, or in your car. A simple morning invocation, "St. Nola, pray for us," draws Nola's intercession into your day.
Novena: A nine-day novena to St. Paulinus of Nola can be prayed before the feast day (beginning nine days prior) or at any time of particular need. Many Catholics have reported profound graces through novena prayer.
Study: Read a biography of St. Paulinus of Nola. The lives of the saints are the living commentary on the Gospel — they show us what it looks like to follow Christ in a particular time, culture, and vocation.
Prayer to St. Paulinus of Nola
O glorious St. Paulinus of Nola, whose life was a testament to the love and power of Almighty God, look upon us with mercy from your place before His throne. You who walked the path of holiness with courage and fidelity, intercede for us who struggle in the pilgrimage of faith. Obtain for us from God the graces we most need — especially [state your intention here] — and help us to follow your example of love, courage, and total surrender to God's will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Feast Day Prayer (from the Roman Missal):Lord our God, you have given us St. Paulinus of Nola as a witness to your goodness and mercy. May we who honor Nola's memory imitate Nola's virtues and one day share Nola's joy in your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
St. Paulinus of Nola in Art and Catholic Tradition
St. Paulinus of Nola has been depicted in Catholic sacred art for centuries. Traditional iconography of the saints communicates theological truths through visual symbols — a language that transcends words and speaks directly to the heart.
Common symbols associated with St. Paulinus of Nola in Catholic art may include:
- A halo or nimbus, indicating canonized sainthood
- Specific objects or instruments associated with Nola's life or martyrdom
- Liturgical vestments corresponding to Nola's state of life (religious habit, episcopal robes, or lay clothing)
- A palm branch, if St. Paulinus of Nola is a martyr
A lesser-known fact about St. Paulinus of Nola: He is traditionally credited with the introduction of church bells in Christian worship, and the town of Nola still claims to be the birthplace of the bell as a liturgical instrument.
When praying before an image of St. Paulinus of Nola, allow the symbols to draw your attention to the virtues they represent. Sacred art is not decoration but theology made visible — a window through which the heavenly reality shines into our earthly prayer.