St Peter and Paul's day also marks the end of the Pauline year begun on 28 June 2008 in celebration of the 2,000th anniversary of the apostle Paul's birth.

On 28 June, Pope Benedict XVI will preside over evening vespers at the Basilica of St Paul's-outside-the-Walls leading up to the official year's ending on 29 June at 17.30 with the ceremonial closing of the “jubilee door” which was opened in 2008 to commence the holy year.

A number of events are scheduled for the end of the Pauline year including the first ever performance of the “Candens Revixit” oratory by contemporary composer Sergio Rendine on 26 June at 17.00 at St Paul's outside-the-Walls. On 28 June at 21.00, the symphonic orchestra and choir of Leonding, Austria will perform Mendelssohn's “Paulus” oratory at the church of S. Ignazio in the historic centre of the city. On 29 June, the Accademia Filarmonica Romana will perform a concert at the Abbazia delle Tre Fontane (EUR - Via di Acque Salvie 1) featuring Pietro Raimondi's “Aurea Luce” and music by Palestrina, Mendelssohn, and Handel.

For a complete list of events on services and events closing the Pauline year see www.annopaolino.org or contact the basilica of St Paul's-outside-the-Walls, tel. 0669880800/1.