St. Paul: Missionary and model for today’s families
January 12, 2026 at 12:00 a.m.
St. Paul is one of the most influential figures in early Christianity, and the Church honors his feast on Jan. 25. Once known as Saul of Tarsus, he experienced a dramatic conversion – from a zealous persecutor of Christians to a courageous defender of the Gospel. His missionary journeys and heartfelt letters shaped the early Church and continue to inspire Christians around the world. For families today, his life offers rich lessons about courage, forgiveness, perseverance, and the transforming power of God’s love.
In modern times, religious congregations such as the Daughters of St. Paul and the Pauline priests continue his mission, bringing Christ into the world of contemporary communication. Through media, images, words and music, they share the Good News with the same zeal as their patron, striving to bring Jesus into the lives of people in today’s digitally connected world.
A life on fire for the Gospel
St. Paul’s missionary life began with a profound encounter on the road to Damascus. A brilliant light and the voice of Jesus changed his path forever. This miraculous transformation reminds families that no one is beyond God’s love and that grace can reshape even the most difficult circumstances. From that moment on, Paul traveled thousands of miles across what is now Turkey, Greece, Syria and Italy. He visited cities such as Corinth, Ephesus and Philippi, forming communities hungry for hope. Once a man carrying letters from authorities to persecute Christians, he became a messenger of God’s Word, building up the Church and spreading the Good News (Acts 9:1–42).
Practical ways for families to grow in faith:
Teaching children through his story
Sharing St. Paul’s life with children makes faith vivid and relatable.
Tell the story with imagination
Children engage with memorable moments: falling from his horse, singing in prison with Silas, surviving storms at sea and speaking boldly before crowds. Maps or drawings of his journeys help them visualize the adventure and understand the reach of his mission.
Read his letters together
Thirteen New Testament letters written by him are filled with encouragement and practical wisdom. Short verses like “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13) and “Love is patient, love is kind” (1 Cor 13:4) spark conversations about kindness, forgiveness, and trusting God in everyday challenges.
Highlight his virtues
Paul’s courage, perseverance, joy and readiness to forgive offer concrete examples children can imitate. Connecting these virtues to real-life family situations shows that faith is lived daily, not just on Sundays.
Make your home a mission field
Paul’s example reminds us that every Christian is called to mission. We can share God’s love through small, intentional acts: writing a note of encouragement, praying for someone in need, helping a neighbor, or showing kindness at school or church.
Celebrate his feast day
On Jan. 25, read his story together, light a candle, pray for courage or create a “shield of faith” craft. Using maps or visual aids helps children understand the scope of his journeys and the enduring nature of his mission. Tracing the route of his travels brings the story to life, showing that Paul’s mission continues today through each of us.
A legacy that still speaks
St. Paul’s life reminds us that following Christ is a purposeful adventure. His bravery, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the Gospel remain a powerful example for all ages. By learning his story and reflecting on his teachings, we can cultivate a faith that is bold, joyful, and ready to serve just as he did nearly two thousand years ago.
Reflection question:
How can our family show courage, love, and faith in our own “mission” each day, just like St. Paul did?
Mariyam Francis is parish catechetical leader in Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton.
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St. Paul is one of the most influential figures in early Christianity, and the Church honors his feast on Jan. 25. Once known as Saul of Tarsus, he experienced a dramatic conversion – from a zealous persecutor of Christians to a courageous defender of the Gospel. His missionary journeys and heartfelt letters shaped the early Church and continue to inspire Christians around the world. For families today, his life offers rich lessons about courage, forgiveness, perseverance, and the transforming power of God’s love.
In modern times, religious congregations such as the Daughters of St. Paul and the Pauline priests continue his mission, bringing Christ into the world of contemporary communication. Through media, images, words and music, they share the Good News with the same zeal as their patron, striving to bring Jesus into the lives of people in today’s digitally connected world.
A life on fire for the Gospel
St. Paul’s missionary life began with a profound encounter on the road to Damascus. A brilliant light and the voice of Jesus changed his path forever. This miraculous transformation reminds families that no one is beyond God’s love and that grace can reshape even the most difficult circumstances. From that moment on, Paul traveled thousands of miles across what is now Turkey, Greece, Syria and Italy. He visited cities such as Corinth, Ephesus and Philippi, forming communities hungry for hope. Once a man carrying letters from authorities to persecute Christians, he became a messenger of God’s Word, building up the Church and spreading the Good News (Acts 9:1–42).
Practical ways for families to grow in faith:
Teaching children through his story
Sharing St. Paul’s life with children makes faith vivid and relatable.
Tell the story with imagination
Children engage with memorable moments: falling from his horse, singing in prison with Silas, surviving storms at sea and speaking boldly before crowds. Maps or drawings of his journeys help them visualize the adventure and understand the reach of his mission.
Read his letters together
Thirteen New Testament letters written by him are filled with encouragement and practical wisdom. Short verses like “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13) and “Love is patient, love is kind” (1 Cor 13:4) spark conversations about kindness, forgiveness, and trusting God in everyday challenges.
Highlight his virtues
Paul’s courage, perseverance, joy and readiness to forgive offer concrete examples children can imitate. Connecting these virtues to real-life family situations shows that faith is lived daily, not just on Sundays.
Make your home a mission field
Paul’s example reminds us that every Christian is called to mission. We can share God’s love through small, intentional acts: writing a note of encouragement, praying for someone in need, helping a neighbor, or showing kindness at school or church.
Celebrate his feast day
On Jan. 25, read his story together, light a candle, pray for courage or create a “shield of faith” craft. Using maps or visual aids helps children understand the scope of his journeys and the enduring nature of his mission. Tracing the route of his travels brings the story to life, showing that Paul’s mission continues today through each of us.
A legacy that still speaks
St. Paul’s life reminds us that following Christ is a purposeful adventure. His bravery, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the Gospel remain a powerful example for all ages. By learning his story and reflecting on his teachings, we can cultivate a faith that is bold, joyful, and ready to serve just as he did nearly two thousand years ago.
Reflection question:
How can our family show courage, love, and faith in our own “mission” each day, just like St. Paul did?
Mariyam Francis is parish catechetical leader in Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton.