Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul

The Conversion of Saint Paul (also known as the Conversion of Saul or the Damascus Road experience) is one of the most dramatic and influential events in early Christianity. It transformed Saul of Tarsus—a zealous Pharisee and fierce persecutor of early Christians, into Paul the Apostle, who became one of the most important figures in spreading the Christian faith.

The primary description appears in the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament, with the event narrated three times (Acts 9, Acts 22, and Acts 26) with slight variations in detail depending on the context (narrative vs. Paul's own defense speeches).

In the main account (Acts 9:1–19):Saul, "still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples," obtained letters from the high priest in Jerusalem authorizing him to arrest any followers of Jesus (called "the Way") in Damascus and bring them back bound.

As he approached Damascus, a brilliant light from heaven suddenly flashed around him.
He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"

When Saul asked who was speaking, the voice replied, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." Jesus then instructed him to go into the city, where he would be told what to do.

Saul's companions heard the sound but saw no one; Saul himself was left blind from the encounter.  Led by the hand, he entered Damascus and fasted for three days, neither eating nor drinking.

In Damascus, a disciple named Ananias received a vision from the Lord to go to Saul. Despite his fear (knowing Saul's reputation), Ananias obeyed, laid hands on him, and said Jesus had sent him so that Saul might regain his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, he regained his sight, was baptized, and began eating again.
He then started proclaiming in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.

Paul later described the experience as a revelation of the risen Christ (e.g., in his letters like Galatians 1:11–16 and 1 Corinthians 15:8), emphasizing it as the basis for his apostleship. No exact date was given, but it ikely occurred around AD 33–36, shortly after Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.

This event turned a major opponent of Christianity into its greatest missionary. Paul went on to undertake multiple missionary journeys, found churches across the Roman Empire, and write many New Testament epistles (letters) that form a core part of Christian theology.

The phrase "road to Damascus" has become a common idiom in English for a sudden, profound life-changing realization or conversion.

The Catholic Church (and many other Christian traditions) celebrates the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul on January 25.  The scene has inspired countless artworks, especially during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, capturing the dramatic moment of blinding light, falling horse, and divine encounter.

Caravaggio's famous dramatic rendition here,  shows Paul fallen and overwhelmed,  In addition we have Michelangelo's fresco version.  This story remains a powerful symbol of redemption, grace, and how even the fiercest opponents can become devoted followers through divine intervention.

You will find the relics of Saint Paul here in Rome in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls