Paul of the Cross

Paul of the Cross (born Paolo Francesco Danei; 1694–1775) was an Italian Catholic mystic and the founder of the Passionists. He is revered for his profound devotion to the Passion of Christ and for establishing a religious congregation dedicated to spreading devotion to it.

Life and historical context

Born in Ovada, Piedmont, in the Duchy of Savoy, Paul Danei was the second of sixteen children. His early life was marked by the family's frequent moves due to his father's dry-goods business and the early deaths of many siblings, which impressed upon him the uncertainty of life. He received his early education from a priest and later taught catechism. At the age of 19, influenced by the writings of Francis de Sales and guidance from Capuchin priests, he experienced a conversion that solidified his belief that God is most accessible through the Passion of Christ.

Paul's early adult life included a brief period of service in a crusade against the Turks, which he soon realized was not his calling. He returned to assist his family and later cared for an aging couple, declining their offer to make him their heir. Despite his uncle's attempts to arrange a marriage, Paul remained unmarried, keeping only his uncle's Breviary upon his death.

Founding the Passionists

At the age of 26, Paul experienced prayer-visions that led him to form a community dedicated to an evangelical life promoting the love of God in the Passion of Jesus. He envisioned a habit for his companions, and the community was initially called "the Poor of Jesus," later becoming the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ, or the Passionists. Encouraged by his bishop, Paul wrote the rule for his new community during a forty-day retreat at the end of 1720. The rule emphasized a penitential life of solitude and poverty, with a focus on teaching meditation on the Passion of Jesus.

His brother, John Baptist, became his first companion. To secure approval for their Rule, they accepted an invitation from Cardinal Corrandini to assist in establishing a new hospital in Rome, where they provided nursing care and pastoral ministry. After a short theological course, both brothers were ordained priests by Pope Benedict XIII in 1727.

Ministry and Legacy

Following their ordination, Paul and his brother dedicated themselves to preaching missions, particularly in remote rural areas, and giving retreats in seminaries and religious houses. Paul became known as a popular preacher, appreciated for both his words and his acts of mercy. The community gradually grew through these apostolic efforts.

The first Passionist monastery, termed a "Retreat," was established in 1737 on Monte Argentario. Paul called his monasteries "retreats" to signify the importance of solitude and contemplation for those preaching the message of the Cross. Members were required to dedicate at least three hours to contemplative prayer daily. While the austerity of the early Passionists did not foster rapid growth, Paul preferred a slow, deliberate expansion. Over two thousand of his letters, primarily offering spiritual direction, have been preserved.

By the time of his death on October 18, 1775, the Passionist congregation had grown to 180 fathers and brothers in twelve "Retreats," primarily in the Papal States. He also founded a monastery of contemplative nuns in Corneto shortly before his death.

Veneration

Paul of the Cross was beatified on October 1, 1852, and canonized on June 29, 1867, by Pope Pius IX. His feast day was inserted into the Roman calendar, eventually being reclassified and moved to October 19. His major shrine is the Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo al Celio in Rome. Several churches are named in his honor.