Born: January 3, 1694 – Ovada, Republic of Genoa (now Italy)
Died: October 18, 1775 – Rome, Papal States
Title: Confessor, Founder of the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ (Passionists)
Early Life and Conversion
Saint Paul of the Cross, born Paolo Francesco Danei, was the eldest of sixteen children, though most of his siblings died in infancy. Raised in a devout Catholic home, Paul was deeply influenced by his parents’ piety and particularly by the meditations on the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
As a youth, he displayed an intense devotion to prayer, fasting, and penance. Though he had opportunities for marriage and a comfortable life, Paul felt called to a life of radical devotion to Christ Crucified. Around the age of 19, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening during a sermon on the Passion. This moment would shape the entire course of his life.
The Founding of the Passionists
In 1720, Paul received a vision from the Blessed Virgin Mary, who clothed him in a black habit bearing the emblem of the Passion of Christ, instructing him to found a new religious order dedicated to promoting devotion to the Sacred Passion.
Obedient to this heavenly call, Paul withdrew into a hermitage, where he lived in prayer and penance for forty days. There he wrote the Rule of the new congregation, guided by inspirations from above. The Rule emphasized contemplation of the Passion, rigorous asceticism, and preaching missions for the conversion of souls.
After initial resistance and trials, Paul received papal approval from Pope Benedict XIV in 1741. The Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ—commonly called the Passionists—was formally established. Paul served as its first Superior General.
Apostolic Labors
Saint Paul became renowned throughout Italy for his fiery preaching, spiritual direction, and heroic virtue. His sermons were marked by deep emotion and theological depth, centered always on the Sufferings of Christ, which he saw as the greatest expression of God’s love and the most efficacious means for the conversion of sinners.
Despite chronic illness and personal sufferings, he traveled extensively on foot, preached missions, heard confessions for countless hours, and guided many souls—including bishops, religious, and laymen—to sanctity.
He was gifted with ecstatic prayer, visions, and supernatural knowledge of hearts. Yet, he remained humble, always seeking the hidden life of suffering with Christ. He had a deep devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, Our Lady of Sorrows, and the Holy Wounds.
Death and Legacy
Saint Paul of the Cross died on October 18, 1775, in Rome, surrounded by his brethren. His death was marked by extraordinary peace and joy. Pope Pius IX canonized him in 1867.
Today, the Passionist Order continues his mission of preaching the Passion, especially through missions and retreats. Saint Paul of the Cross stands as a model of contemplative zeal, mortification, and deep union with the Crucified Lord.
Spiritual Characteristics and Lessons
- Centrality of the Passion: For Paul, the Passion was the “greatest and most overwhelming work of divine love.” He taught that meditation on Christ Crucified is the surest means to sanctity.
- Mortification and Penance: His life reflected a total renunciation of self, in imitation of the suffering Christ.
- Mystical Union with God: Despite intense exterior activity, his soul lived in constant recollection, often caught up in raptures and divine consolations.
- Zeal for Souls: He had an apostolic heart, burning with desire for the salvation of sinners, preaching tirelessly until his death.
Anecdotes and Miracles
- It is said that when Paul celebrated Mass, he was often seen in ecstasy, immobile for long moments, lost in contemplation of the Passion.
- He once prayed for the healing of a dying man who had repented; the man recovered and lived a life of penance.
- He bore mystical sufferings in union with Christ, at times experiencing spiritual darkness but always remaining faithful.
Recommended Spiritual Practice
To follow Saint Paul of the Cross more closely, consider the traditional devotion to the Five Wounds, the Way of the Cross, or meditate daily for 15 minutes on the Passion—particularly the Agony in the Garden, the Scourging, and the Crucifixion.
His favorite ejaculation:
“May the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ be ever in our hearts.”