It was one of the most significant events in the two thousand year history of Christianity.  Saul of Tarsus was consumed with one overpowering passion, the total annihilation of this new religion, the New Way, as it was called.  Filled with fury, Saul rode wildly to Damascus with letters of authorization to imprison every disciple of Jesus of Nazareth.
    Suddenly it happened!  A staggering force threw the zealous Israelite from his horse.  Stunned, Saul slowly rose but he couldn’t see!  He was blind!  Then from the heavens came a resounding yet gentle voice: “Saul!  Saul!  Why do you persecute Me?”  “Who is it, Lord?” Saul asked.  “I am Jesus Whom you are persecuting!”  Instantly an illuminating outpouring of grace transformed Saul, the dreaded terror of Christians, to Paul, Apostle of Jesus Christ.  The venomous hatred that consumed him changed into an insatiable zeal for the salvation of souls.
    Each year on January 25th, the Church celebrates the Conversion of Saint Paul.  The purpose of such feasts is far more significant than honoring a great saint.  As Mother and Teacher, the Church constantly instructs her children in the mysteries of our salvation.  Monthly, the Church commemorates a feast of one of the Twelve as a recurring reminder that Christ built His Church on the foundation of the Apostles.   
    Our Divine Savor did not establish His Church as some sort of storefront religion.  Had He done so, anyone could claim to be inspired by the Holy Spirit, preach whatever struck his fancy, and present it as the authentic Gospel of Jesus.  No!  Jesus Christ instituted His Church as a visible organization, founded on the Apostles and infallibly guided by the Holy Spirit. 
    At the head of this Apostolic Band, Our Lord placed Simon Peter.   Jesus bestowed upon Peter the Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.   Peter’s authority, however, did not end with his death.  It lives on in his successor.  The Pope is the Successor of Peter who has full and universal jurisdiction over the whole Church.   He is the Vicar of Jesus Christ on Earth.  
    The Sovereign Pontiffs must guard and maintain the integrity of the Sacred Deposit of Catholic Faith.  This Sacred Deposit consists in the faith and moral teachings of Jesus Christ and confirmed by the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday. 
    When the Holy Father teaches the Universal Church Magisterially, he teaches in the Name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and under the infallible guide of the Holy Spirit.  Therefore the Catholic Church cannot lead Christ’s faithful into doctrinal or moral error.   On the night of the Last Supper Our Blessed Lord assured His Apostles: “When the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you in all truth." (John 16: 13)
    Bishops also have a Teaching Authority or Magisterium.  Either individually or as a body, they must teach in union with the Pope of Rome.  The Second Vatican Council reaffirmed this ancient doctrine by asserting that Bishops must teach, Cum Petro et Sub Petro, With Peter and Under Peter. 
    No one in the Church can depart from the faith and moral teachings of the Successor of Peter.  One cannot persist in dissenting from magisterial teachings and claim to be a Catholic in good standing.   As Saint Paul taught uncompromisingly, discipleship means maintaining the "obedience of faith." (Rom 1:5; 15:18)   
    The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council taught that Catholic Faith is God’s gift, which He has given us through His own mysterious designs.  Catholics must preserve and defend this sacred gift, this Sacrament of Salvation.   Employing the language of love, the Council taught that Christ’s faithful must render a religious submission of mind and will to all the teachings of the Supreme Pontiff and the Bishops united with him. 
    My dear friends!  May we say with the Apostle Paul: “The love of Christ consumes us     … He died for all, that those who live might live no longer for themselves but for Him Who for their sake died and was raised!” (2Corinthians 5: 14-15)
    May Mary, the Mother of the Church, teach us to follow Jesus with a humble Obedience to Truth, through the saving mystery of the One, Holy, Roman Catholic and Apostolic Church.                  
               
                Father Richard J. Rego, S.T.L.