Seeking God's Strength and Guidance
A Prayer Inspired by Saint Paulinus
Heavenly Father, we come before You today with humble hearts, seeking Your grace and guidance in all that we do. You are our rock, our refuge, and the source of all strength. In these uncertain times, we ask that You direct our paths and help us to keep our eyes fixed on You, no matter what challenges we face.
Lord, we lift up to You all those who are burdened by trials, hardships, and sorrows. We pray for those who feel lost or distant from Your love, that You may draw them near and restore their faith. Grant us the patience and perseverance to trust in Your timing and to never lose hope, knowing that You work all things for our good.
As we seek Your guidance, we look to the example of Saint Paulinus, a man of faith, humility, and devotion. Through his life, Saint Paulinus taught us the beauty of serving You with a joyful heart. He gave up wealth and power to follow You, choosing instead to live a life of simplicity and charity. May his example inspire us to set aside worldly distractions and focus on what truly matters — loving You and loving others.
Saint Paulinus, we ask for your intercession on our behalf. Pray for us, that we may find the courage to surrender fully to God's will, just as you did. Help us to trust in His plan for our lives, even when we do not understand it. Lead us to grow in faith, hope, and charity, that we may become beacons of Christ's love in the world.
Lord, we ask that You bless us with the strength to persevere in our journey of faith. Help us to be mindful of the needs of those around us, just as Saint Paulinus cared for the poor and the suffering. Fill our hearts with Your love, and let Your Holy Spirit guide us in all that we do.
In Jesus' name, we pray.
Amen.
Saint Paulinus of Nola and the Giglio Feast
This prayer draws from Saint Paulinus's example of humility and service, encouraging trust in God's plan. Saint Paulinus of Nola, born in 354 AD, was a Roman senator, poet, and governor who converted to Christianity and later became the Bishop of Nola, in Italy.
Paulinus was known for his deep faith and compassion, particularly for the poor. After the loss of his only child, he and his wife Therasia gave up their wealth, choosing a life of simplicity and service to the Church. His legacy includes the construction of several churches and his extensive writings on Christian doctrine, which continue to inspire believers.
One of the most well-known stories about Saint Paulinus is his act of self-sacrifice. When a group of Nola’s citizens were taken captive by invading Vandals, Paulinus offered himself in exchange for a widow’s son. He was taken as a slave to North Africa, but after being freed, he returned to Nola, where he continued his ministry until his death in 431 AD.
Today, Saint Paulinus is celebrated in the Giglio Feast in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, a vibrant Italian-American tradition that began over a century ago. This annual event, held in July, honors the saint’s courage and selflessness. The centerpiece of the celebration is the Giglio, a massive 80-foot-tall tower adorned with flowers and statues, symbolizing the lilies that greeted Saint Paulinus upon his return to Nola.
A group of over 100 men called the "lifters" hoist the towering structure onto their shoulders, accompanied by live music, as they parade it through the streets. This lively and joyful feast is not only a tribute to Saint Paulinus but also a celebration of community, faith, and Italian heritage. It serves as a reminder of the saint’s enduring legacy of sacrifice and service, and his example continues to inspire devotion today.