Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle, The

The conversion of Paul to Christianity is so important that the story is told three times in Acts, and Paul mentions the experience three times in his letters. An observance of Paul's conversion is mentioned in some calendars from the eighth and ninth centuries. Pope Innocent III (1198-1216) ordered that it be observed with great solemnity. After his conversion, Paul devoted his life completely to Christ. He was the leading missionary to the Gentiles in the early church. The Conversion of Saint Paul is commemorated on Jan. 25 in the Episcopal calendar of the church year. This observance concludes the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. See Paul, Saint.