St. Paul of the Cross: Founder of the Passionist Congregation

•Priest  
•Feast day: October 19 
•1694-1775 

St. Paul of the Cross, born Paolo Francesco Danei on January 3, 1694, in Ovada, Italy, was the founder of the Passionist Congregation, a religious order dedicated to the Passion of Jesus Christ. His early life was marked by innocence, piety, and a deep devotion to God. As a young boy, he practiced intense prayer and mortification, setting the stage for his later life of holiness.

Early Life and Call to Holiness

At the age of 15, St. Paul of the Cross had a profound spiritual awakening after hearing a sermon on the Passion of Christ. This sermon ignited within him an intense desire to dedicate his life to Christ’s suffering. From that moment on, he embraced a life of prayer, austerity, and contemplation. His deep love for the Passion of Jesus would shape his entire spiritual journey.

In 1720, St. Paul experienced a mystical vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in which she revealed to him the mission of founding a new religious congregation. This congregation, known today as the Passionists, would be dedicated to the Passion of Christ. The members would wear a simple black habit adorned with the emblem of Christ’s Passion—a heart surmounted by a cross with the words Jesu XPI Passio (Passion of Jesus Christ). They would continually meditate on the suffering and death of Christ, and mourn for the sins of the world.

The Foundation of the Passionist Congregation

St. Paul of the Cross’s initial attempt to gain approval for his new congregation was met with rejection. When he traveled to Rome seeking papal approval, he was not even allowed to enter the Vatican. Undeterred, he returned to his homeland and sought God’s will in prayer. It was during this time that he and his brother, John Baptist, decided to live as hermits on Monte Argentario, a remote and rugged region in Tuscany. There, they led a life of solitude and prayer, immersing themselves in the mysteries of Christ’s Passion.

In 1727, St. Paul and his brother were ordained to the priesthood by Pope Benedict XIII. Following their ordination, the two brothers traveled throughout Italy, preaching the Passion of Christ and giving missions. They became known for their powerful preaching and public acts of penance, including scourging themselves for the sins of the people, which deeply moved those who witnessed them. Their missions attracted many to repentance and a deeper devotion to Christ’s suffering.

Papal Approval and Growth of the Passionists

The turning point for St. Paul of the Cross came in 1741 when Pope Benedict XIV officially granted approval for the Passionist Congregation. With this recognition, the congregation began to grow rapidly. Many young men, inspired by St. Paul’s holiness and zeal, joined the order, and a novitiate was established for their formation.

The Passionists dedicated themselves to preaching missions, caring for the sick, and promoting devotion to the Passion of Christ. Their message resonated throughout Italy, and their influence spread across Europe.

St. Paul’s Spiritual Legacy

St. Paul of the Cross was known for his intense spiritual life. He would often spend hours in prayer, reflecting on the Passion of Christ, and is said to have had frequent mystical experiences. His devotion to the Eucharist and the Blessed Mother was profound. He encouraged his followers to unite their own sufferings with those of Christ, seeing suffering as a path to sanctification.

In his later years, St. Paul retreated into a life of solitude and contemplation, focusing on his prayer life and continuing his mission to promote the Passion of Christ. He spent the final years of his life in Rome, where he died on October 18, 1775, at the age of 81. His feast day is celebrated on October 19.

Canonization and Lasting Influence

St. Paul of the Cross was canonized by Pope Pius IX on June 29, 1867, in recognition of his holiness, contributions to the Church, and the lasting impact of the Passionist Congregation. Today, the Passionist Order continues its mission worldwide, serving the Church through pastoral work, retreats, and missions, all focused on the Passion of Christ.

St. Paul’s life serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of Christ’s suffering and the grace that flows from meditating on the Passion. His work and legacy continue to inspire Christians to embrace their own crosses and unite their sufferings with the redemptive love of Jesus Christ.

Additional Facts about St. Paul of the Cross:

• Devotion to the Passion: St. Paul of the Cross emphasized the importance of meditating on the Passion of Christ as a means of spiritual growth and transformation. He believed that Christ’s suffering provided the ultimate model for Christian life and love.
• Miracles and Mystical Experiences: St. Paul was known for his mystical experiences, including visions and ecstasies. He experienced visions of Christ, the Blessed Virgin, and heavenly revelations, which deepened his spiritual life.
• Legacy of the Passionist Congregation: The Passionist Congregation, under St. Paul’s leadership, expanded rapidly, establishing missions not only in Europe but eventually across the world, including in the United States, where Passionists became known for their retreats and missions.

St. Paul of the Cross remains an example of unwavering faith, deep spirituality, and dedication to the Passion of Christ. His life continues to inspire the faithful to this day.