The new header picture

I am trying out a new theme design for the blog.  The picture is from Vatican City as I just returned from a short holiday in Rome – a city that I last visited about 15 years ago!  Needless to say, it was all surreal and I enjoyed my time there very much. 

I really enjoy studying statues of Paul.  This one (as well as the famous one of Peter holding the ‘keys’) was commissioned by Pope Pius IX in 1847.  There is also a nice statue of Paul ‘Outside the Walls’.  The Basilican Paul was sculpted in 1838 by Adamo Tadolini.

Paul is holding a sword (I assume it is the sword of the Spirit) and a book.  The book contains an inscription in Hebrew letters reading ‘I can do all things in him who strengthens me’ (Phil 4.13).