St. Paul of the Cross was born on January 3, 1694, to Luke Danei and Ann Marie Massari in Lombardy, Italy. St. Paul prayed often before the Blessed Sacrament and decided to pursue religious life at 19, inspired by St. Francis' writings and the teachings of the Capuchin Order. St. Paul established the Poor of Jesus Order, which was later renamed the Passionists. His brother was the first member of the new Order. The members of the Order wore a black robe with a logo that was based on one of St. Paul's visions. The logo depicted a white Cross and Heart, with the words "Passion of Jesus Christ" inside the Heart. St. Paul drafted the rule for the "Discalced Clerks of the Cross and the Passion" in 1720, and seven years later, he was ordained a priest. Community life began in a small hermitage on Mount Argentario near Orbetello, and soon others joined. Although Paul was reluctant, he was elected as the Superior General and remained in that position until his death. The new congregation combined the austere Carthusian life with the active Jesuit apostolate to bring souls to Christ through devout contemplation of His Passion. God favored Paul's work with numerous miracles, especially in connection with the conversion of hardened and hopeless sinners. For over 50 years, he prayed for the return of England to the faith and vouchsafed several comforting visions in this regard. In fact, it was through the Passionists that Cardinal Newman, among thousands of others, entered the Church. St. Paul died in Rome on October 18, 1775, after a life devoted to penance. Pope Pius IX canonized him on June 29, 1867.
Prayer:
St. Paul of the Cross, pray for us to meditate deeply on Jesus's teachings and Passion, that we may be filled with profound compassion and understanding.
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