In 2007 Pope Benedict XVI announced that the Church would celebrate a special year dedicated to Saint Paul, in preparation for the 2,000th anniversary of the Apostle’s birth. This commemorative event—running from June 29, 2008, to June 29, 2009—is intended to spark spiritual revival within the Church of the Gospel message and to renew the missionary call of all the baptized in spreading the Kingdom of God.
Paul the Apostle was born in Tarsus, in what is now Turkey, at the start of the Christian era, about 10 A.D., according to historians. After his conversion on the road to Damascus, he became one of the Church’s foremost evangelizers, first among Jews, then among Gentiles. His letters are a primary source of information about the life of the Early Church and have strongly influenced Christian thought throughout the centuries.
The coming year’s IRL national and regional meetings will highlight various aspects of the life and message of the “Apostle to the Nations,” especially as they pertain to the consecrated life. These events will focus our attention on some of the major Pauline themes of his letters and on how they can be incorporated into the life of Christian discipleship.
2009 IRL National Meeting
April 17-19, 2009
University of St. Mary of the Lake—Mundelein, IL
2008-2009 IRL Regional Meetings
NEW: IRL Detroit Regional Meeting
Mariannhill Missionaries—Dearborn Heights, MI
October 18, 2008
Boston Regional Meeting
Daughter of St. Paul’s Convent—Boston, MA
November 8, 2008
Los Angeles Regional Meeting
Sts. Peter & Paul Parish—Wilmington, CA
January 24/31, 2009???
Midwest Regional Meeting
Franciscan Sisters of the Holy Eucharist—Independence, MO
March XX, 2009
Bay Area Regional Meeting
St. Albert’s Dominican Priory—Oakland, CA
April 25, 2009???
