” “A figure that "helps us feel the Church as a sacrament of the intimate union with God, the unity between all of us and with all of mankind". This is how the Pope defined Saint Paolino of Nola, a monk, a presbyter and a bishop of that city of Campania (but a native of Bordeaux), a contemporary of Saint Augustine, bound to him "by a lively friendship". Of Saint Paolino’s typical spiritual traits, Benedict XVI mentioned "communion as his key approach to the mystery of the Church. In this sense said the Pope to the about 5 thousand devotees who were in Aula Paolo VI , I wish you a nice time of Advent". In telling the biography of the Saint who was the topic of the catechesis of today’s general audience, the Pope began by recalling that Saint Paolino had "a fast political career", as he became "at a young age" the governor of Campania, a position in which "he was much admired for his gifts of wisdom and mildness". His "conversion" was driven by "the simple, intense faith with which the people used to honour the tomb of a saint, Felix the martyr". "Since he was in charge of governance said the Pope , he took an interest in the sanctuary and had a poorhouse built, with a street to ease access to the pilgrims". His meeting with Christ "was the finishing line of a laborious path, sown with ordeals" in which he experienced the transience of all things" (continued).” “
