Memorials of Paul

If bricks and mortar attest to a person’s worth or fame, then Paul has ample witness to his value and fame. St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, England, is perhaps the most famous church dedicated to the apostle.The present building dates from the 17^th century, the design of Christopher Wren. The first church was built there in the seventh century, sanctifying a site once used for a temple to honor the goddess Diana. In Rome is the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, founded by the Roman Emperor Constantine and built over what was believed to be Paul’s grave.The present structure was dedicated in 1840, replacing the ruins of a tragic fire in 1823. It was in the basilica that, on June 28, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI announced the “Year of St. Paul” (June 29, 2008 to June 28, 2009) to commemorate the apostle’s birth.