St. Paulinus, Bishop of Nola, was born at Bordeaux, France, in 355. He was educated under the famous poet Ausonius and acquired exceptional skills in poetry. St. Jerome said that everyone admired the purity and elegance of his diction and the strength of his style. Following the steps of his father, who was a Prefect of Gaul, he was entrusted with various public offices in Italy, Gaul and Spain, where he married the beautiful Therasia. In 390, he retired to Aquitaine, where he was converted and baptized by St. Delphinus, Bishop of Bordeaux.

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After the death of their only child, he and his wife took a vow of chastity and gave away their wealth to the poor. A few years later, in response to public demand, he was ordained priest in the cathedral of Barcelona. Therefore, he settles at Nola, a small town near Naples, living with a few friends under a semi-monastic rule. He implemented religious and philanthropic programs, and every year composed a poem in honor of St. Felix, the Patron of the town. In 409, because of his reputation of holiness, Paulinus was made Bishop of Nola. He ruled with wisdom and liberality until his death, in 431.