St. Paulinus, Bishop of Nola, was born at Nordeux, France, in 355. he was educated under the famous poet Ausonius, and acquired exceptional skills in poetry and rhetoric. st. Jerome said that everyone admired the purity and elegance of his diction, the delicacy of his sentiments, and the strength and sweetness of his style. Following the steps of his father, who was perfect of Gaul, he was entrusted with various public offices in Italy, gaul and Spain, where he married the beautiful Therasia. In 390, he retired to Aquitaine, where he was converted and baptized by St. Delphinus, Bishop of Bordeaux.
After the death of their only child, he and his wife took a vow of chastity and gave away their wealth to the poor. A few years later, in response to a public demand he was ordained priest in the cathedral of Barcelona. thereafter, he settled at Nola, a small town near Naples, living with a few friends under a semi-monastic rule. he implemented religious and philanthropic programs, and every year composed a poem in honor of St. Felix, the Patron of the town. In 409, because of his reputation for holiness, Paulinus was made Bishop of Nola. he ruled with wisdom and liberality until his death, in 431.
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