Future Priests of the Third Millennium

A little insight into the life of seminarians from various dioceses preparing for ministry as Roman Catholic priests, including daily activities, personal interests, special events, the spiritual life, news from the seminary, and almost whatever comes to our minds!



Friday, January 25, 2008

The Conversion of St. Paul


In honor of the Conversion of Saint Paul, I offer you this story that I heard in a homily in minor seminary:


Friends, popular art tells us that St. Paul was riding a horse, and he fell off when God spoke to him. I had a similar experience. One day I decided to try horseback riding, even though I had had no lessons or prior experience. I mounted the horse unassisted and the horse immediately sprang into motion. He galloped along at a steady and rhythmic pace, but then I began to slip from the saddle.


In terror, I grabbed for the horse's mane, but could not seem to get a firm grip. I tried to throw my arms around the horse's neck, but I slid down the side of the horse anyway. The horse galloped, and galloped, and galloped along, seemingly oblivious to me falling off. Finally, I gave up and tried to jump away from the horse and throw myself to safety.


Unfortunately, my foot had become entangled in the stirrup, and I was at the mercy of the horse's pounding hooves as my head struck against the ground over and over and over. I was mere moments away from unconsciousness when to my great fortune . . . the Supermarket manager saw me and shut the horse off.


Happy St. Paul Day!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

That's not funny. I have really been dragged by a horse.

Plus, there is no mention of a horse in Act 9:1-9. Saul merely 'fell to the ground.'

J. Thorp said...

Phew! I was gettin' pretty worried, there!

What is about fallin' off horses that brings folks closer to God? There's the humility it naturally brings, I suppose.

St. Francis de Sales, patron of writers as I understand it, was reportedly slow to answer his calling. The story I heard was that he was thrown from his horse three times, and each time his sword shook free of its scabbard and the two landed on the ground in a distinct cross ...

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