St. Paul Outside the Walls

 There are four major papal basilicas. Each has a Holy Door which is open this year. 

Following his execution, St. Paul, an early convert to Christianity, was laid to rest where the church bearing his name currently stands. A small memorial was built over the site. 

Over the millennia the memorial became the basilica that we see today. 



While we were visiting the church a local Bishop lead Mass.

There was a great deal of incense at the beginning of Mass. The floating cloud made an interesting visual. 
While this basilica is in Rome, it remains a Vatican property. As such there is a Holy Door at this site. 

Jesus appears to watch over St. Paul’s shoulder.






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