St. Paul of the Cross
Priest and Founder of the Passionists
Feast Day: October 20
Biography
St. Paul of the Cross (1694–1775) was born Paolo Francesco Danei in Ovada, in northern Italy, the eldest surviving child of a struggling merchant family. From his youth he was drawn to prayer and to meditation on the Passion of Christ. In 1720, after receiving the habit from his bishop, he spent a forty-day retreat at Castellazzo, during which he wrote the first rule for a new community devoted to the Passion. With his brother John Baptist, his closest companion, he was ordained a priest in Rome in 1727. They settled on Monte Argentario on the Tuscan coast, where the first Passionist retreat opened in 1737. Pope Benedict XIV approved the rule in 1741. For about fifty years Paul preached parish missions throughout central Italy, calling people to conversion through the love shown in Christ's Cross, and he was a sought-after spiritual director. Thousands of his letters survive. He also endured long periods of interior darkness and trial. In 1771 he founded the Passionist nuns. He died in Rome at the monastery of Sts. John and Paul on October 18, 1775. Pope Pius IX canonized him in 1867. His universal feast is October 19; in the United States it is celebrated on October 20.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
St. Paul of the Cross, you found in the Passion of Jesus the greatest proof of God's love. When I suffer or feel far from God, help me to unite my cross with His and to trust that love is stronger than pain. Pray for all who preach the Gospel, that they may lead many hearts to conversion. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Paul of the Cross, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Paul of the Cross, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.