Saint Paula
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III in this lecture speaks about Saint Paula, one of the renowned early Church saints, who lived a life of piety and asceticism after widowhood, and helped establish a convent for nuns in Bethlehem with the assistance of Saint Jerome.
🔹 Her Background and Family Life
Saint Paula came from a noble and wealthy family. She was married and gave birth to a daughter, Saint Eustochium. After her husband’s death, she was drawn to a life of monastic consecration to the Lord.
🔹 Her Relationship with Saint Jerome
She became a disciple of Saint Jerome, who was her spiritual guide and teacher. Under his guidance, she grew in asceticism, and he built for her a convent in Bethlehem where she became the abbess.
🔹 Life of Asceticism and Devotion
Saint Paula lived a humble and ascetic life, teaching her nuns obedience and humility before God. She abandoned the luxury of her youth, devoting herself to serving the poor and to unceasing prayer.
🔹 Her Service and Her Daughter Eustochium
Her daughter Eustochium joined her in monastic life, following her example in prayer and self-denial. After Saint Paula’s departure, Eustochium succeeded her as abbess, preserving her mother’s spiritual legacy.
🔹 Her Role in Spiritual Teaching
His Holiness mentioned a letter written by Saint Jerome to Eustochium, beginning with the meditation on the Psalm: “Hear, O daughter, and forget your people and your father’s house; for the Lord has desired your beauty, for He is your Lord, and you shall worship Him,” explaining that it was a call to renunciation and not a message to youth as some had thought.
🔹 The Coptic Orthodox Perspective
From the Coptic Orthodox viewpoint, Saint Paula’s life exemplifies the woman who forsook the world for Christ, dedicating her heart, wealth, and life to God, showing that monasticism is not an escape but a deeper union with the Lord.
🔹 Spiritual Message
This life story highlights the importance of detachment and trust in God alone, turning away from worldly attachments. It is a call for souls to hear the voice of the Lord and live entirely for Him, as Saint Paula and her daughter Eustochium did.
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