Celebrating St. Paulinus of Nola on June 22.
Saint Paulinus of Nola presents a compelling witness for Catholic professionals seeking to reconcile ambition with holiness. Born into wealth and nobility, Paulinus enjoyed status, education, and political success. Yet he gave it all up—not because success was evil, but because his heart was captivated by something greater. His transformation was not a dramatic renunciation for renunciation’s sake; it was a reordering of priorities, grounded in love for Christ and compassion for the poor.
In the world of work, it’s easy to fall into patterns of striving for recognition, security, or influence. Paulinus’s life reminds us that these things, while not inherently wrong, must never overshadow our deeper calling. After the death of his son, he and his wife turned toward simplicity and service. He used his gifts—especially his literary talent—not for vanity, but to uplift and inspire, becoming a powerful voice for faith and charity.
Professionally, we are often tempted to build reputations and networks to advance ourselves. Paulinus did the opposite: he built spiritual friendships, exchanged letters with saints, and fostered communities of support and encouragement. His creativity and intellect didn’t retire with his worldly career—they were redirected into God’s service.
The core of his legacy is this: vocation doesn’t end when you leave the boardroom, switch careers, or suffer loss. Instead, it deepens. May Saint Paulinus inspire us to bring the heart of our faith into every endeavor—not just in moments of crisis or transition, but in the daily rhythm of our work, offering all to God with joy and purpose.