"I'm surprised this thread is so focused on Mary..."
The Mary focus was brought in after the thread was hijacked.
"... how wrong it is to make an object of veneration of Paul's tomb."
If you wish to believe that it is wrong to venerate the relics of St. Paul that is your prerogative.
Hundreds of millions of Catholic, Orthodox, Coptic, and Protestant Christians, however, do not likely agree with you on this point.
"Hundreds of millions of Catholic, Orthodox, Coptic, and Protestant Christians, however, do not likely agree with you on this point."
Well, perhaps I misunderstand what is meant by venerate in the article. I have no problem with people wanting to pay their respects or respecting the sancity of a grave (as would be the case for any grave), but when you start fostering the idea that physical objects (including dead bodies) have some kind of inherent mystical power or that they are worthy of some form or minor worship then you are getting into the realm of idolitry.
BTW, a saint was the term used for any Christian originally. The Catholic concept of Sainthood is another tradition men created later on. Paul was a man, his calling was divine, not he himself.