Third Sunday in Ordinary Time | Conversion Of St Paul

St Paul's Catholic Parish
Jan 25
4 min read

25 January 2026

Collect Prayer

O God, who taught the whole world through the preaching of the blessed Apostle Paul, draw us, we pray, nearer to you through the example of him whose conversion we celebrate today, and so make us witnesses to your truth in the world. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ…

Readings

Isiah 49:1-6 Psalm 117 Acts 22:3-16

Mark 16:15-18

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to all creation. The man who believes in it and accepts baptism will be saved; the man who refuses to believe in it will be condemned. Signs like these will accompany those who have professed their faith: they will use my name to expel demons, they will speak entirely new languages, they will be able to handle serpents, they will be able to drink deadly poison without harm, and the sick upon the whom they lay their hands will recover.”

Readings Next Sunday (4th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Zephaniah 2:3.3 ; 12-13 Psalm 146 Corinthians 1:26-31 Matthew 5:1-12

Saints of the week

Tue 27 | St. Angela Merici, virgin

Wed 28 | St. Thomas of Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church

Thu 29 | St. Gildas the Wise, abbot

Sat 30 | Blessed Columba Marmion, abbott

Conversion of St Paul

“Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name” (Acts 9:15) – said the Lord to Ananiah who was in charge of instructing him so that the new Apostle could announce the Gospel to everyone. The most famous convert to the Gospel was Saul, later called Paul, a native of Tarsus, who was first a terrible enemy and persecutor of Christians; then, struck by the power of God, he became a chosen instrument. His travels and tribulations are incredible: that is why he is called the Doctor of the Gentiles. He preached the faith and converted not with human wisdom, but with the power of God, performing miracles. From unjust accusations to martyrdom, it was a short road and he was beheaded in Rome. We have 14 epistles left to us from him.

St Thomas of Aquinas

Every January 28, the Church celebrates Saint Thomas Aquinas, paramount Doctor of the Church. Born in Italy in 1225 in Aquino, he lived only 49 years, but his legacy continues to illuminate the world. Known as the 'Angelic Doctor', he is recognized for his unparalleled contributions to theology and philosophy. His most influential work, the Summa Theologiæ, remains a cornerstone of Catholic theology, offering profound insights into faith and reason. A great lover of the Eucharist, he wrote timeless hymns like Pange Lingua and Tantum Ergo for the Feast of Corpus Christi, hymns that still resound in our churches today. He shaped the intellectual and spiritual life of the Church for centuries. Let’s honor his memory by seeking knowledge with humility and by growing in faith and love for the Eucharist. St. Thomas of Aquinas, pray for us.

Weekly News

FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD

2 FEBRUARY H. Mass at 9am in Agia Kyriaki.

Diocesan Pilgrimage: In the Footsteps of Saint Paul

13–18 April 2026.

Limited places. More information on the notice board.

Registration forms available from Fr. Ismael or Fr. Alessandro.

Ash Wednesday

18 February. Please, bring your palm branches so we can make the ashes. H. Mass at 12 noon in Agia Kyriaki & at 6.15pm in Polis

Study Group Compendium of The Catechism

Next encounters: 13th & 26th February January at 6.30pm at the office. To join, please, contact fr. Alessandro.

Children's Group

The children of our parish are invited to join the Children’s Group every Sunday at 11.30am at the Shop. The Gospel of the Sunday will be explained to them so that they can follow the Mass in a more fruitful way.

Age: 3–10 (children younger than 5 must be accompanied by one of their parents).

Caritas St. Paul's

Thank you for your prayers, contributions, food and clothes donations … we can also reuse your shopping bags. If you wish to volunteer, please, contact fr. Alessandro.

Pray For Vocations

The Latin Vicariate of Cyprus is dedicating a Year of Prayer for Vocations to the priesthood, religious, married or consecrated lives. Join us! For more information contact Sister Elizabeth (95983631 / pastoralcareofvocationscyprus@gmail.com)

Parish Community Shop

Refreshments, coffee and tea. Check our religious section for rosaries, Christmas Cards, scapulars, devotionals, etc. Check also our books sections. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet other parishioners and grow as community. All funds will go to the building of the new Church. If you’d like to volunteer, please talk to Fr. Ismael.

Mass schedule

26th January - 1st February

Mon: No Mass;

Tue, Thu, Fri: Masses at 9:00am in Agia Kyriaki

Wed: Mass at 12 noon in AK

Saturday: Masses at 4:30pm (AK); 6:15pm (town of Polis)

Sunday: Masses at 10am, 11am & 12pm (AK)

Eucharistic Adoration: Wed at 10:50am in AK; Thu at 6pm in AK

Filipino Mass on last Sunday of the month at 12pm.

Sri-Lankan Mass on 3rd Sunday of the month, 12pm (Presbitery chapel)

Prayer for Vocations to Consecrated Life

Oh God, who call those you wish to follow your Son, Jesus Christ, in His very way of life and mission, send your Spirit to strengthen those you have consecrated to yourself: nuns, monks, religious men and women, hermits, consecrated virgins, consecrated widows and widowers, members of Societies of Apostolic Life.

We thank you for the precious gift of their lives and their testimony. Grant them faithfulness in their vows, courage to live their vocation with passion. Help them bring the light of your gospel to all, reflect your love, and be clear sign of your Kingdom through their lives and mission.

Send your Holy Spirit to those you call to consecrate their lives to you and those who are discerning this path, so that they may hear your voice clearly and respond with trust and generosity.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.