As I looked up at the saints that guard the entrance to St. Patrick’s cathedral, I noticed the name of St. Paulus (or Saul of Tarsus), engraved upon this armed man here. I suppose that, in terms of difference and adjustment, his was brought about by utter chance.

On his way to Damascus in the early first century, he was struck by the image of Christ, resurrected and beckoning to him. The sight was so puncturing that he fell from his horse and was rendered blind for some time. When he was found by a passing Syrian, he was led to the city by hand, where he would spend the next few days in prayer. Upon regaining his sight, he was immediately baptized and spent the rest of his days in devotion to the Christian faith. He went on to contribute many books to the Holy Bible and is modernly recognized as one of the most important figures in early Christianity.

Some have speculated that he possibly suffered from an epileptic seizure when he fell from his horse. Imagine that.