St Paul of the Cross

Saint Paul of the Cross
Founder of the Passionist Congregation
1694-1775

Feastday Memorial: Oct 19 in the Universal Church and Oct. 20 in the USA (more info here)

"When I came to you, brethren, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. " (Holy Bible, 1 Corinthians 2, 1-2)

"...but we preach Jesus crucified..."

-St Paul to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 1, 23)

Welcome to this website which is devoted to St Paul of the Cross. St Vincent Strambi, Paul's first biographer writing only 11 years after his death, stated that the Holy Spirit raised up Paul of the Cross to help people find God in their heart. Paul was convinced that God is most easily found by us in the Passion of Jesus Christ. He saw the Passion as being the most overwhelming sign of God's love for us, and at the same time our best means for union with Him.

St Paul is most notable for his fervent love for God and his special devotion to the Passion of Jesus. Inspired and led by God, Paul travelled throughout Italy, preaching missions with a particular emphasis on the passion of Jesus. Along with his preaching vocation he was also inspired by God to found a order of Priests and Nuns devoted specifically to the Passion of Jesus. Thus, by the express will of God and through Paul's continual prayers and sacrifices, he eventually became the founder and was elected the first Superior General of the "Congregation of Discalced Clerks of the Holy Cross and Passion of Our Lord", more commonly known as the Passionists.

The devil, knowing in advance all the glory that the members of the Passionist Congregation would give to God, and of all the souls that would be snatched from him through their continual acts of sacrifice and penance, sought in earnest to inspire as much opposition as possible, in a hellish effort to block its foundation. And so it was that through many years of toil, sacrifices and sufferings that Paul, with the help of God, eventually founded the Passionist Congregation of Priests, and a few years later the Passionist Nuns.

Paul often spent many hours in prayer and adoration before Jesus crucified. Throughout his many travels while preaching missions and making foundations of his Passionist Order, he always carried with him a large wooden crucifix in honor of our Lord's Passion, thus he became known by the popular name of "Paul of the Cross". Undoubtedly the two greatest characteristics of St Paul were his fervent devotion to the Passion of Jesus and also his extraordinary sacrifices and penances that he made for the conversion of sinners.

Throughout his religious life, Paul continuously sacrificed and made special penances and mortification's for the success of his preaching missions, that many souls may be converted. An example of his many penances was that he went barefoot in all his travels throughout Italy, regardless of the harsh seasons and climates. And God, Who was pleased with the heroic sacrifices and devotion of His servant, chose to perform countless extraordinary miracles through Paul's intercession and prayers. As he went about doing good, the frequent extraordinary signs from heaven that accompanied him were a sign to all that God was with him in a most remarkable way. Like his holy predecessors the Apostles, immense crowds gathered and followed him as he went about preaching from town to town. His great love for God and his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary radiated to the crowds with remarkable unction through both his words and his actions, thereby causing countless conversions everywhere he went. His austere manner of life, full of sacrifices and penances, encouraged the people to make reparation to God for their own sins.
~St Paul of the Cross, pray for us!

Most recent articles: The extraordinary supernatural gifts given to St Paul of the Cross and also St Paul of the Cross and his miracles with the crucifix and also Venerable Father John Baptist -Brother of St Paul of the Cross and 2nd foundation stone of the Passionist Congregation and also The practice of holiness in the words of St Paul of the Cross and St Paul of the Cross on Sickness and suffering and also Words and Quotes of St Paul of the Cross
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Words and sayings of Saint Paul of the Cross:
"I want to set myself on fire with love...I want to be entirely on fire with love...and I want to know how to sing in the fire of love."

"Look upon the face of the Crucified, who invites you to follow Him. He will be a Father, Mother--everything to you."

"Oh Love, oh fire of charity; how powerful You are!"

"I enjoy remaining on the Cross. How beautiful it is to suffer for Jesus!"....."I rejoice in the nails that hold me crucified"

"Ah, my Supreme Good. What were the sentiments of your Sacred Heart when You were scourged? My beloved Spouse, how greatly did the sight of my grievous sins and my ingratitude afflict You! Oh, my only Love, why do I not die for You? Why am I not overwhelmed with sorrow? And then I feel that sometimes my spirit can say no more but remains thus in God with His sufferings infused into the soul- and sometimes it seems as if my heart would break.”

"Your crosses dear God, are the joy of my heart. How beautiful to suffer with Jesus!"

"I hope that God will save me through the merits of the Passion of Jesus. The more difficulties in life, the more I hope in God. By God's grace I will not lose my soul, but I hope in His mercy."
"I am a bottomless pit and deserve no light, so unworthy am I."

"Christ Crucified is a work of love. The miracle of miracles of love. The most stupendous work of the love of God. The bottomless sea of the love of God, where virtues are found, where one can lose oneself in love and sorrow. A sea and a fire or a sea of fire. The most beneficial means of abandoning sin and growing in virtue, and so in holiness."

"At holy Communion I had much sweetness. My dear God gave me infused knowledge of the joy which the soul will have when we see him face to face, when we will be united with Him in holy love. Then I felt sorrow to see Him offended and I told Him that I would willingly be torn to pieces for a single soul. Indeed, I felt that I would die when I saw the loss of so many souls who do not experience the fruit of the Passion of Jesus.”

"Oh my Love, what happened to Your heart in the Garden! Oh, what suffering; what shedding of blood! What bitter agony, and all for me!".

"I felt pain in seeing my dear God so offended. I could faint from seeing so many souls lost for not feeling the fruit of the Passion of Jesus. A desire to convert all sinners will not leave me."

"Oh good Jesus, how swollen, bruised, and defiled with spittle do I behold Thy countenance! O my Love! Why do I see Thee all covered with wounds? Oh infinite sweetness, why are Your bones laid bare? Ah, what sufferings! What sorrows! O my God, why are You all wounded? Ah, dear sufferings! Dear wounds! I wish to keep you always in my heart."

"Oh Jesus, my Love, may my heart be consumed in loving Thee; make me humble and holy; give me childlike simplicity; transform me into thy holy love. O Jesus, life of my life, joy of my soul, God of my heart, accept my heart as an altar, on which I will sacrifice to Thee the gold of ardent charity, the incense of continual, humble and fervent prayer, and the myrrh of constant sacrifices! Amen."

"The world lives unmindful of the sufferings of Jesus, which are the miracle of miracles of the Love of God"

"Oh my good God, how gentle You are! How sweet You are! Oh dear cross, I embrace you and press you to my heart!"

"We ought to glory in nothing other than the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. You are blessed and don't know it. You have Jesus Crucified with you."
-Words of St Paul of the Cross

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Born: Paul Francis Danei, January 3, 1694 in Ovada, Genoa, Italy. His holy brother and inseparable companion, John Baptist Danei, was born April 4, 1695.
Parents: Luca Danei (father), Donna Anna Maria Massari Danei (mother).
1716: Volunteers in Army for the war against the Turks.
1719 (age 25): Given mystical visions of a scourge whip, with the word "LOVE" written upon each of its thongs. Paul decides to consecrate himself and his life to God.
November 22, 1720: Paul is vested in the Passionist habit by Monsignor Gattinara, Bishop of Alessandria.
Nov. 22- Jan. 1 1720: Paul makes a solitary 40 day retreat in the church of St. Charles, Castellazzo, fasting and praying, during which he writes his "Spiritual Diary" and the first Passionist Rule.
September 1721: He takes a vow in the basilica of St. Mary Major to dedicate himself to promoting the memory of the Passion of Jesus Christ.
1722-1725: Paul and his brother John Baptist live in 3 successive hermitages, each becoming Passionist houses ("retreats"), first at Monte Argentario, then Gaeta, and later Itri.
1726-1728: The two brothers minister to the sick in the hospital of San Gallicano, Rome.
June 7, 1727: The brothers are ordained priests by Pope Benedict Xlll in the St. Peter's Basilica, Rome.
1728-1737: The two brothers move to Mount Argentario. They teach catechism in Orbetello and nearby towns. In 1730 they preach their first parish mission in Talamone. They are joined by other companions who are called by God to the Passionist life. Paul writes the name "Jesus" on his chest with a burning hot iron.
May 14, 1741: Pope Benedict XIV approves the Rule of the Passionists.
June 11, 1741: Paul and his companions profess religious vows as "Passionists".
1747: Against his wishes, Paul is elected Superior General of the Passionists, a position he holds for the remainder of his life.
1748-1767: Paul preaches countless parish missions and retreats throughout Italy; writes thousands of letters of spiritual direction (most of which have been translated and published in English) and founds retreat houses (Passionist communities) in Vetralla, San Eutizio, Ceccano, San Sosio, Montecavo and Paliano.
August 30, 1765: Paul's brother and intimate companion, Father John Baptist Danei dies a holy death.
1767: Paul is seriously ill in Vetralla.
1770-1771: He is again seriously ill in the hospital of the Crucified, in Rome.
May 1771: First foundation of the Passionist Nuns in Tarquinia.
December 1773: As a gift from Pope Clement XIV, Paul takes possession of the retreat house and Church of Saints John and Paul in Rome.
June 26,1774: Paul is visited by Pope Clement XIV at Saints John and Paul; Pius VI visits him in 1775.
Sept 14, 1775: Pope Pius VI approves the revision of the Passionist Rule in the Papal Bull "Praeclara Virtutum Exampla".
October 18, 1775: Paul dies a holy death at age 81 in Saints John and Paul, Rome.
Jan 7, 1777: Opening of the process of Canonization, only 2 years after his death.
Dec. 22, 1778: First biography of Paul of the Cross written by Passionist friend Vincent M. Strambi (now a Saint)
February 18, 1821: Formal proclamation of Paul's' heroic virtues, thereby being officially listed as "servant of God".
May 1, 1853: Formal Beatification of Paul by Pope Pius IX.
June 29, 1867: Paul is formally Canonized by Pope Pius IX, only 92 years after his holy death.
April 25, 1880: The Holy relics of St. Paul of the Cross are transferred in a Solemn procession to a special chapel dedicated to him in the basilica of Saints John and Paul, Rome.

"I place all of my hope and confidence in the Passion of Jesus. Our Lord knows well that I have laboured all of my life to love Him myself, and to make others love Him" -St Paul of the Cross during a serious illness

For an in depth study into the life of St Paul of the Cross, I highly recommend this free online book from the Passionist Nuns in Kentucky website entitled "Mysticism of the Passion in St Paul of the Cross"

Also, for an excellent and edifying book of the words and quotes of St Paul of the Cross taken from his letters, I highly recommend this free online book published over 100 years ago entitled "Flowers of the Passion -Thoughts of Saint Paul of the Cross"(click here)

Prayer to St Paul of the Cross

Prayer to Saint Paul of the Cross seeking his holy intercession

O' glorious Saint Paul of the Cross, you were chosen by God to profess to all of humanity the bitter sufferings of His only-begotten Son, and to spread devotion to the Passion of Jesus throughout the world.

By your preaching and holy example Jesus converted thousands of sinners through you by bringing them to the foot of the Cross to repent of their sins, thereby obtaining for them His infinite forgiveness and mercy! May Jesus be blessed for His extraordinary grace that was so often made present in your life, and for the many miracles He worked through you for the conversion of souls!

O' blessed St Paul of the Cross, turning towards you now I ask that from your place with Jesus and Mary in heaven that you may look mercifully upon my poor soul and hear my prayers, and with all of your love humbly present them to Jesus for me (mention petitions).

Obtain for me also a great love of Jesus suffering, that by frequent meditation on His Passion I may take up my own cross and accept with holy resignation the sufferings that God has permitted in my life. Help me to suffer and to sacrifice in union with Jesus for the conversion of my poor soul, the souls of my loved ones, and for all of humanity. Help me to love Jesus and Mary with all of my heart, and intercede for me that I may, by the grace of God, die a holy death, and come at last to enjoy with you the blessed Presence of Jesus and Mary in Heaven for all of eternity.

One Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be....

I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord, AMEN +

-May the Passion of Christ be ever in our hearts! St Paul of the Cross, pray for us!

Extraordinary supernatural gifts given to St Paul of the Cross

The remarkable supernatural gifts of Saint Paul of the Cross

St. Paul of the Cross (1694-1775) was one of the great mystical souls of reparation and devotion to the Passion of Jesus. He endured terrible sufferings and spiritual trials, while at the same time was given extraordinary mystical gifts, graces and consolations, including remarkable visions of our Lord and the Blessed Virgin Mary. He also had visions of souls in Purgatory, who were allowed to come into his cell and tell of their sufferings. At times rays were seen shining around Paul's head. He was known for his heroic sacrifices and mortifications, such as fruequent fasting, late night prayer vigils and travelling about from one mission to another without shoes throughout all seasons of the year.

St. Paul was once working on some soldiers at Portecole in an effort to reform their lives. One not only resisted conver­sion but also made blasphemous and obscene remarks about the matter. This soldier had been sitting outside on a stone and had been trying to draw a sentinel nearby into conversa­tion and a game of cards. The other remonstrated with him, saying that the holy priest Paul might pass by at any moment.

The other soldier reacted strongly: "I will be as soon con­verted as that ox returns again to life!" He was referring to the lifeless body of a slaughtered ox that lay nearby. The butcher had already partially flayed it. But at the soldier's unwise and irreverent remark, the ox rose up alive and ran with wild fury at the soldier sitting on the stone. He managed to escape, and the ox hit his own head on the stone where the soldier had been sitting but a moment before. The stone was drenched with blood and the ox died for good there.

At the close of a mission given by Father Paul in Or­betello in September of 1741, a child was gazing out a win­dow at the crowd which was leaving the church. He fell to the pavement and was instantly killed. Medical assistance was called for and sadly the boy was pronounced dead. At that moment St. Paul of the Cross was about to enter a boat to go elsewhere. The bereaved parents ran to the shore and told him of the tragedy. He went back with them and contemplated the corpse of the innocent child. Paul re­mained in silent prayer for a few moments and then spread his hands over the little body. The onlooking crowd was silent, waiting to see what St Paul would do. To the absolute astonishment of all, after a few sec­onds the child came to life, and thus Paul restored him to the arms of his parents.

On another occasion, the saint was a guest at the house of Signori Goffredi, where a hen was served for dinner. St. Paul said, "You have inadvertantly done wrong to kill that poor animal, because with her eggs she was the support of a poor woman to whom she belonged. Let us do an act of charity. Open that window." Upon the man opening the window Paul then blessed the hen--which was already cooked, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. He had hardly pronounced the words when the hen suddenly returned to life, was miraculously covered with feathers, took wing and went off screaming out the window, to the house of her poor mistress. Signori Goffredi soon afterwards found out that the hen had been stolen by the man who sold it to her. This miracle was recorded under sworn oath by the eyewitness to the miraculous event.

On one occasion when St. Paul of the Cross was preaching from a platform he became too weak to continue, so his guardian angel removed Paul and took upon himself Paul’s appearance, and commenced speaking the mission for him. On another occasion, the angel also went, under Paul's appearance, with a flashing sword to threaten an unrepentant sacrilegious sinner who had been sinning in a very serious way for over 50 years. Needless to say after the extraordinary appearance of the angel, the man hastened to confession and was reconciled with God.

Other supernatural powers were given to Paul in abundance. After having given a mission in Piombino, they brought him on his way to the ship, and he was seen to board the boat and set sail by an large crowd of people. Dr. Gherardini, who accompanied him to the vessel, did not leave the shore until the vessel was out of sight; but within a few hours he met Paul coming out of the house of a gentleman in town. Not believing his own eyes, the doctor approached him, and said, "How is it, Father Paul, that I find you here? I just saw you setting sail from the port, and I kept my eyes on the vessel and on you until you were out on the high sea. How is it that you came to be here?"
"Please keep this to yourself" answered Saint Paul, "I came here on an errand of charity" and then he suddenly disappeared.

Even those whom Paul employed in the service of the missions were made the operators of such wonderful graces. During a mission to Montcromano he wanted to send a letter of great importance to Sutri, and requested one Matthias Marc* to do the errand. The latter hesitated on account of the River Biedano being impassable. "Go! " Paul said to him. "I assure you of the protection of God, and if the waters be as high as the top of the trees, I tell you to cross them, and fear not!"
Knowing of his great virtues and holiness, Matthias had faith in Paul's words, started on his errand, and reaching the river where the current ran very high, he entered upon it, with his horse walking above the waters as if on firm ground. Some travellers, waiting for the waters to subside, saw the remarkable wonder, and exclaimed, "He must be carried by the devil for we can even see the shoes of his horse!"

Paul forewarns some of the punishments of God if they do not repent
In spite of these miraculous proofs of the divine mission which Paul had received from God, some persons were insensible to his appeals for reform. Sadly and reluctantly, Paul predicted the punishments of divine justice on those who refused to listen to the loving counsels of mercy.

In Pittigliano, a few men who were often giving public scandal for their notoriously bad behaviour used to meet in an apothecary shop, to make contemptuous and ridiculous remarks about the holy missionary, and about the things of God. On one occasion when St Paul was given a mission in that town, they chose to repeatedly strike at a brass bell from a Pharmacy shop that was directly across from the Church in which Paul was preaching, to the greatest annoyance and distraction of Paul and the faithful who sought to gain grace from his holy preaching.

Paul sent the men a very civil message, begging of them to desist; but their answer was that in their own house they would do as they please stating "Let him mind his own affairs."

Being told of their unrepentant reply, the servant of God then raised his eyes to heaven, and publicly exclaimed, "Then, let those men be on their guard, lest God should punish them!"
To the astonishment of those who heard the warning, each of the men died within a very short time, one after another; and, as the blessed Paul had also prophesied, that "that Pharmacy shop will be closed because of its owner" and in fact the Pharmacy failed, having soon thereafter gone bankrupt.

Miracles of the Crucifix in the life of St Paul of the Cross

Introduction to the life of St Paul of the Cross and his miracles with the Crucifix

St. Paul of the Cross was born at Ovada in Liguria, Italy, the son of devout parents. His childhood was distinguished by an incident in which he and his brother, John Baptist, fell into a river and were rescued by a beautiful lady whom they understood to be the Blessed Virgin. Devout from childhood, he progressively grew deeper in the spiritual life until, at the age of fifteen, he decided to devote his life to prayer and penance.

At the age of twenty he felt that duty required him to join the Venetian army to fight against the Turks in the defense of Christendom. This experience only proved to him that his vocation was elsewhere. After his discharge, he returned to his life of prayer.

After a series of visions in which he was directed to found a congregation that was to be especially devoted to the Passion, Paul composed a rule that was approved by Rome. Known as the Passionist Order, Paul and his brother, John Baptist who had joined him, both settled on Monte Argentaro and there received the first novices. The austere life of the community of the Passionists also included the mission of preaching throughout the countryside, and it was this work that occupied most of the Saint's life.

St. Paul of the Cross was an extraordinary preacher who possessed many of the mystical gifts including prophecy, bi-location, supernatural perfumes, visions, power over nature and levitation. Recognized as a Saint during his lifetime, he was usually met by throngs of people who were anxious to obtain a piece of his habit as a relic, to touch him or to request a cure or a favor. God was with him everywhere he went, and his preaching missions were attended not only by almost all the local townspeople, but also those of the surrounding towns, so that at huge crowds were present at all his missions. And God showed His approval of his servant by granting numerous miracles through his intercession at all his missions as if to say: “This is my beloved servant- listen to him!”.


Miracles of St Paul through the Crucifix
The Saint also possessed extraordinary power over the devil. Once while giving a mission in Orbetello, there was a great commotion in the soldiers' barracks. One of the soldiers, screaming in terror, was being dragged and jostled by an invisible force. St. Paul was brought to the scene and with his crucifix held high, he commanded the spirit to depart. When the devil resisted, he ordered the soldier to make an act of contrition. The Saint then demanded the departure of the devil. No longer able to resist, the evil spirit left. The soldier confessed his sins and thereafter enjoyed peace of soul and mind.

The Saint's power over nature was exhibited on a number of occasions, especially at Santaflora, where he was to give a talk. Because of his great popularity, the church was crowded. An even greater number of people gathered in the square outside the church. So that both groups could hear him, the Saint stood at the church door and began to speak. The day was clear and bright, but suddenly the sky became dark and rain began to fall in torrents. The people immediately panicked and ran about in confusion. Seeing in this disturbance the work of the devil, the missionary held his crucifix high and blessed the air. Immediately the sky cleared and the people returned to their places. To the wonderment of all, everyone in the square was completely dry, whereas a moment before they had been thoroughly wet.

During another sermon to the people gathered outdoors, the sky suddenly became dark and threatened a terrible storm. Assuring his listeners that it was the work of the devil to prevent the good they were gaining, Paul blessed the black clouds with his crucifix. To the amazement of the people, the rain fell all around, but not a drop of water touched the Saint or the members of his audience.

In his biography of the Saint, Rev. Pius of the Name of Mary tells of a truly astounding miracle that took place when the Saint was scheduled to conduct a mission on the Isle of Elba and was in need of a ship to take him there. The Saint approached a sea captain, who indicated that his ship was badly damaged from a storm at sea and had been drawn up on shore. The Saint told the captain not to worry, that through the power of God their jour¬ney would be successful. Captain Fanciullo, an eyewitness, tells what took place.

Wherefore the master, with his sailors and myself, began to haul the vessel towards the sea. The servant of God, too, taking his crucifix from his breast, held it up with his left hand, and with his right helped to haul. In an instant the vessel was in the sea, and both I and others standing by thought it a miracle to get it into the sea with so few hands. I saw Father Paul embark and set sail for Porto Ferrajo, on the Isle of Elba, which they happily reached. News reached us that no sooner were they disembarked, than the vessel split in two and sank.

A miracle reminiscent of St. Anthony and the donkey adoring the Holy Eucharist took place while St. Paul of the Cross was walking beside a farmer who was driving his two young oxen. When the animals became agitated and began giving the farmer some trouble, he blasphemed so badly that the Saint began to admonish him. Becoming even angrier, the farmer leveled a gun at the Saint. Horrified more at the indecent language than he was frightened for his own life, the Saint drew his crucifix from his belt and held it high, saying: "Since you will not respect this crucifix, these oxen will." As if they understood, the oxen fell immediately to their knees before the image of the crucified Saviour. At the sight of the miracle, the farmer threw down his gun, begged par¬don of the Saint and soon went to Confession and reconciled himself to God.

The most astounding miracle involving the Saint took place at Piagaro in the year 1738 during the course of a mission. At the end of the mission, the Saint repeated these words:
"There are many here to whom it seems a thousand years before I end my mission here, but I shall leave another behind, who will carry on the mission better than I."

When the Saint left the church some of the people followed him, while the rest remained in the church to pray. Rev. Pius of the Name of Mary tells us that:
All of a sudden, they were astounded at seeing a blue sweat beginning to flow in great abundance from a large crucifix of wood, which is preserved in that church. The priests brought cloths to receive the sacred liquor, while some of the people, recollecting what the holy missionary had said, ran to tell him what had happened.

The only reply he made was "I knew it already." He then asked of what color was the sweat, and being told it was blue, he added:
"It is a good sign," and then went on with his journey.

The effect was what he had expected. Those who had not been moved by the thunder of his voice, were brought to repentance by the sight of the miracle. For a perpetual remembrance of this wonderful event, a new chapel was built, in which the miraculous image was placed, with an appropriate inscription, as may be seen to this day.

St. Paul of the Cross died in 1775 at the age of 80 and was canonized a Saint in 1867.

~St Paul of the Cross, pray for us!

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Venerable John Baptist Danei -Brother of St Paul of the Cross

Venerable John Baptist Danei- The brother of St Paul of the Cross and the second foundation stone of the Passionist Congregation by Glenn Dallaire

Ven. Father John Baptist Danei (John Baptist of St Michael the Archangel) was the brother and inseperable companion of St Paul of the Cross. Born in Ovada on April 4, 1695, only one year after Paul, they breathed the same family atmosphere, were constant companions, growing together in spirituality, praying together and doing penance together, almost as "one heart and one mind", although from a human perspective they did in fact have quite different personalities. While Paul was more outgoing and dynamic, John Baptist was more collected, reserved and quiet, preferring to remain in the “sidelight” of his holy brother Paul.

Nevertheless, his holiness became quite well known amongst the people, especially after the foundation of the Passionists congregation in which he helped to found together with his brother. In his humility he had a strong desire to remain hidden, and he begged the Lord to disappear to avoid veneration by the faithful. And outside of a few exceptions, God answered his prayer, both in life, and in death. For example, although he was initially buried in the Passionist church of Vetralla, his body was later hidden elsewhere for fear of sacrilegious desecration by soldiers during the French occupation of the Papal States. The author of concealment took with him to the grave the secret of the new burial location. Subsequent research, though accurate, has never yielded any results.

John Baptist completed his first studies in Ovada Cremolino, and it seems also in Campo Ligure in Genoa. While teenagers he and Paul fell into the river Tanaro, and nearly drowned before being miraculously saved by the Blessed Virgin Mary. He spent his adolescence and youth in penance and prayer, sleeping on bare boards, performing night vigils; his food was poor and frugal. He often traveled barefoot and wore rough, uncomfortable clothes, and his prayer, while kneeling, lasted for hours. His parents had to intervene against both him and Paul to reduce their excessive thirst for penance.

In 1720, his brother Paul of the Cross decided to travel alone to visit the Pope to seek the approval of the holy Congregation that he was being called to found. John the Baptist felt called to accompany him, but for some reason Paul denied him. John the Baptist replied prophetically: 'Go, but you will not stay long, nor have peace without me.’ And so it was; Paul made a fruitless journey to Rome, meeting obstacles at every turn, and he soon fell prey to profound sadness. Reflecting upon the situation, he then remembered the words of his holy brother, and he thus immediately returned home.

On November 28, 1721, together with Paul in the habit of a hermit, the two brothers make their first “retreat” together in the hermitage of Santo Stefano in Castellazzo Bormida (Alessandria). Then then travelled to Argentario in the hermitage of the Annunciation, where they remain for a few months, then they travel to Gaeta, Itri, Naples and Foggia. In 1726, they begin assisting the sick and the poor in S. Gallicano Hospital in Rome. On June 7, 1727, both brothers are together ordained priests in the Vatican Basilica by Pope Benedict XIII.

In February 1728, drawn and led by the Holy Spirit, they leave their charity work at the hospital and return to Monte Argentario in the hermitage of San Antonio. At this time they live in a rustic barn, and are deprived of everything, completely entrusted to the providence of God, and guided by the Holy Spirit. Here the holy brothers together express their ardent love for God. Concerning this time in the barn, Paul later writes “It often rained upon us, yet we were very happy."

It is Father John Baptist who directs the work to build the first house of the new religious congregation (Passionists) on Mount Argentario, near the hermitage in which he and Paul are living. Given its location on a mountain, there was no water to be found in that place. John the Baptist prayed, then began searching, and miraculously discovers a spring of water needed for the new building, Soon afterwards, St. Michael the Archangel appears to protect the new building by a few individuals have come at night to destroy it. In gratitude to the Archangel St Michael for his protection, John the Baptist takes the name “John the Baptist of St Michael the Archangel” and he dedicated the altar in the new church (monastery) to the Holy Archangel. And so through these events of the founding and establishment of the Passionist Congregation, we can see that John the Baptist was indeed a pillar of the congregation, who in his quiet humility has managed to remain quite often in the shadows.

In April, 1741, Paul finally obtained the approval of the rule and religious vows for the Passionist Congregation, which grew in number under the holy guidance of Paul and John Baptist. In 1744, John the Baptist was given the task of caring for the new retreat (monastery) in Vetralla (Viterbo), where along with being the General Consultor of the Congregation, confessor and spiritual director of his brother Paul, he was also primarily responsible for the education of young people. He stayed there for 21 years until his death.

Together with his brother Paul, Father John Baptist Danei was in great demand for giving Spiritual Exercises to Priests and Nuns, and Missions to the people. A most knowledgeable and humble man, John Baptist preached in simple “meat and potatoes” style, free from exaulted language, going straight to the heart of the matter. In the congregation, he was nicknamed Elijah for his extraordinary zeal and fervor in preaching the Word of God. In fact, the Word of God in Scripture was his food since he was young boy, and quite often the subject of his daily meditations. Concerning his knowledge of Holy Scripture his biographer writes: "He often quoted the appropriate Scriptures so well and with such accuracy that it became obvious that he knew them by heart”. He also knew very well the Fathers of the Church, and the doctrines of Councils. Always eager to avoid congratulations of any kind, he constantly strived to return to the monastery immediately upon completion of the missions, to return to his solitude and loving contemplation of God.

For us today, his penances seem incomprehensible. The rugged solitude and quiet of the monasteries at Monte Argentario and Vetralla (Viterbo) were often torn by
his scourges with which he disciplined his body. His fasts, night vigils and other mortifications were very severe. However, while with himself he was strict and uncompromising, with everyone else he was always accommodating, caring and friendly, especially with the young students and seminarians who said he was "a real affectionate father”. All the harsh austerity was reserved for himself alone, but for his subjects he was very meek and mild. The one exception was with his brother Paul, whom he was very strict in regards to penances and sacrifices.

Spiritual director and confessor of St Paul of the Cross and General Consultor of the new Passionist Congregation
Throughout his entire Priestly life he was Paul’s spiritual director and confessor, and with his intimate knowledge of his holy brother, he was Gods instrument in directing Paul to the extraordinary degree of holiness to which he was called to. Additionally, Paul elected him the General Consultor of the Congregation, making him the “spiritual Father” of the fledgling Congregation during its difficult time of its foundations and early growth, along with the later foundation of the Passionist nuns.. He was for everyone a safe and prudent adviser. Paul had a deep admiration for his brothers austere holiness and spirituality and entrusted him not only with his own spiritual growth (as spiritual director and confessor) but also as the true guide for the whole Congregation during its difficult early years. At his death, in his great loss and anguish St Paul said "I am now an orphan and alone, without a father. Who will correct me now? Who will notify me of my faults? ".

The holy gift of tears
Courageous and strong, Father John Baptist Danei did not succumb to human respect in regards to duty or sin. Once, he criticized the Priest secretary of a bishop for not wearing his vestments of a Priest. One would think that through his extreme penances, austerities and mortifications that he would be primarily a strict disciplinarian, however more often than not one would see and experience his compassionate and caring demeneanor. Giovanni Battista Danei had the gift of ecstasy and tears, weeping especially for the sins and moral evils of the clergy and the Church, for which his brother Paul says "he cried bowls of tears and the constant cry has furrowed his cheeks ... he has as two canals in his cheeks.” Those tears to express the feeling of his heart, eyewitnesses claimed that the morning his pillow was soaked with tears, made during the night. Father John Baptist had the gift of ecstasy and the singular gift of tears. He cried for the hardness of heart of stony men's lack of love of the Crucified One. He cried at the continuing difficulties of the nascent Congregation. He cried because he feels compassion and is overwhelmed by the love of a God crucified. St Paul of the Cross writes: "I see John Baptist crying constantly and sometimes I see him hiding to avoid being seen by me. But even streaked with tears his face retains the most amiable serenity of paradise.”

The holy death of Father John Baptist Danei
In July 1765 he developed a disease that appeared not to be serious, but he had the feeling that it will lead to his death. And Paul was enlightened by God during the Celebration of Mass of impending death of his brother. Paul and all the members of the Congregation assisted Father John Baptist with loving care and affection. Paul stayed especially close to him, as the two slept in adjoining rooms. However, more often than not it was Paul who was comforted by John Baptist, because Paul was heartbroken at the thought of the loss of his dear brother, inseparable companion, confessor and spiritual guide. On August 27, he received the last sacraments with fervor and he blesses the Congregation. On Friday August 30 at 10:00pm Father John the Baptist dies a holy death surrounded by the religious community. Paul immediately sings the Salve Regina joined in by all the religious accompanying him. The next morning in the celebration of Mass Paul is overwhelmed by tears at the great loss of his holy brother. It became necessary to place attendants to guard the body to keep watch over the crowd who greatly desired a relic of the holy Priest. Paul wrote a summary of his holy life and placed it on the tomb.
Immediately after the death of Father John Baptist people came forward with graces and miracles obtained through his intercession, especially through the contact with his relics objects that belonged to him. Perhaps because of his great humility, reserve, and constant desire to remain in the background, the process for canonization began only much later.

Concerning the great esteem of his brother St Paul of the Cross writes “That holy man of my brother was so spiritual, that he never needed an incentive to run along the path of the divine commandments. I am not worthy to be called his brother ". The Passionist brethren loved him and venerated him as a "living mirror of all virtues" and an authentic model of Passionist spirituality and asceticism. Between the two brothers there was perfect agreement even if the characters were not equal; ,they were in fact complementary---Outgoing and friendly Paul with the collected and reserved John the Baptist. A singular brotherhood of blood and of spirit!

Father John Baptist of St Michael the Archangel was the spiritual guide and model of the new Passionist Congregation. He has always been considered the "second foundation stone”. Trying to establish which of them was more important in the foundation of the Passionist Congregation is like trying to determine which is most important in a building—the foundations or the walls.
Concerning him we are left with the comforting testimony of Paul.- “With a holy death
corresponding to his holy life, my holy brother flew from his poor mattress to sing in paradise. Father John Baptist is a saint, and I know. " Indeed holiness is something that Paul himself knew about.

John Baptist Danei’s cause for canonization was introduced on December 10, 1930. He was declared "Venerable" on August 7, 1940 by Pope Pius XII. The feastday of Ven John Baptist Danei is August 30.
~Venerable John Baptist Danei, pray for us!

How to be Holy in the words of St Paul of the Cross

Summary of Christian Holiness in the words of Saint Paul of the Cross

THE PASSION
The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ is the shortest way to perfection. The life of Christ was but a continuous cross. God confers a great honor on us when He calls us to walk the same path as His only Son.
If you correspond to the designs of God, He will make a saint of you. Be generous, and remember that we ought to walk in the footsteps of Jesus crucified. The servant of God who is not crucified
with Jesus Christ, what is he? He is unworthy of divine contemplation who has not fought and conquered some great temptation. God has suffered much for me ; ought I not suffer something for Him?

THE EUCHARIST
Holy Communion is the most efficacious means of uniting the soul to God. The best preparation for the divine banquet is to keep ourselves well purified, and to watch over our tongue, which is the first member that touches the sacred Host. On the day that we receive Holy Communion we should endeavor to keep our hearts as living tabernacles of our eucharistic Jesus, and then visit
Him often with acts of adoration, love, and gratitude; this is what divine love will teach us.
When a prince sends one of his ministers to a distant country, he provides him with all that is necessary for safely reaching his destination: the Lord, my God and my Father, has given me, as
my viaticum (food for the journey), His only Son.

PRAYER
Prayer is the sure way that leads to holiness. Alas! we easily enter on the road to perdition when we neglect prayer. The prayer which humbles the soul, which inflames her with love and excites her to the practice of virtue, is never subject to illusion.
In prayer the soul is united to God through love, He who, on account of the duties of his state of life, cannot devote much time to prayer, need not be troubled; the exact fulfilment of his duties, with a pure intention, having only God in view, is an excellent prayer.

THE PRESENCE OF GOD
By habitually thinking of the presence of God, we succeed in praying twenty-four hours a day.
The continual remembrance of the presence of God engenders in the soul a divine state.

SIN
How can we sin with the cross of Jesus before our eyes!

FAITH
Walk in faith. The true way of holiness is the way of faith. He who walks in pure faith abandons himself into the hands of God, as a child in its mother's arms.

HOPE
Hope is obligatory. I must, then, hope for my salvation. When our sins frighten us, and we fear lest we should be damned, let us think of the merits of Jesus crucified, and hope will reanimate our spirit. Let us firmly trust that, through the infinite merits of Christ's Passion and the dolors of Mary, we shall forever sing the mercies of the Most High.

CHARITY TOWARDS GOD
The love of God is a jealous love. One atom of irregular affection for creatures suffices to ruin everything. He who would become a great saint must labor that God alone may live in him. He will have attained this end when he performs all his actions for the love of God, in union with those of Christ, Who is our way, our truth, and our life. The heart of the true servant of God ought to be an altar whereon is daily offered the gold of charity, the incense of continual and humble prayer, and the myrrh of incessant mortification.

In hell, never to see God, ever to be deprived of God,! Oh, what a dreadful necessity to hate Him eternally, Who has loved us from all eternity! Always keep the fire of charity burning on the altar of your heart.

CHARITY TOWARDS OUR NEIGHBOR
He who considers, in the light of faith and in the Heart of our divine Redeemer, the priceless value of souls, spares neither labor, nor suffering, nor perils, to aid and help them in their spiritual needs.
Let your heart be full of compassion for the poor, and lovingly assist them, because the name of Jesus is engraven on their countenance. When you have not the means of helping your neighbor, recommend him fervently to God, Whose sovereign dominion holds all creatures in His hand.
Counsels gently given heal every wound, but given with sharpness only serve to aggravate it tenfold.

Be gentle in your actions; speak with a peaceful mind and in a calm tone, and you will succeed better. Poverty is good, but charity is better.

POVERTY
Poverty, so much abhorred by the world, is a precious pearl, and in the sight of God contains all wealth. Oh, what happiness we find in a community life! A precious treasure is enclosed in a community life.
My crucified Jesus, I protest that I desire not the things of the earth; for Thou alone suffice for me, Thou alone, my God and my All!

CHASTITY
In order to preserve holy purity it is necessary to love it much, to distrust one's self, to be cautious with all -in a word, it is necessary to fear and to fly. To him who loves holy purity conversations with persons of the opposite sex always appear long and fatiguing, however short they be.
Prayer, pious reading, the frequentation of the sacraments, and, especially, the shunning of idleness, are the guardians of holy purity. He who does not mortify his palate will neither know how to mortify his flesh.
How pure and stainless should be the heart on which is written the most holy name of Jesus!

OBEDIENCE
When there is question of obeying, we must bow our head. Let us put ourselves so entirely into the hands of our superiors that they can do with us what they will, provided they enjoin nothing
opposed to the divine law. Unless we act thus, we can never taste the sweetness of God's service.
Desire, as the deer panting for the waters, to have your will broken, and regard that day as lost on which you have not subjected your will to that of another.
The more obedient you are, the more tranquil and indifferent will you be as to employments that may be assigned to you. He who is truly obedient will be better disposed and more capable to aid, by his prayers, holy Church and the religious order to which he may belong; for Jesus hears the prayer of those who are obedient.

HUMILITY
The least grain of pride is sufficient to overturn a mountain of holiness; allow yourself, therefore, to be penetrated by a deep sense of your own misery. Be dead to all that is not God; keep yourself detached from every creature, in perfect interior solitude. All this will be easy to you if you make yourself little, for God loves childlike souls, and teaches them that exalted wisdom which is hidden from the wise of this world.

THE WILL OF GOD
Let us desire nothing so much as the good pleasure of God. As soon as we know the will of God,
we ought to follow it without delay. When our pious undertakings meet with little success, let us not be troubled; when God wills anything to be done for His glory He will not fail to urge on the work until it is accomplished.

CONFIDENCE IN GOD
If our salvation depended only on ourselves, we should have much to fear; but as it is in the hands of God, we can tranquilly repose in Him. He that rises after his falls, with confidence in God and profound humility of heart, will become, in God's hands, a proper instrument for the accomplishment of great things; but he who acts otherwise can never do any good.
Let us never despair of the divine help; we would thereby do a serious injustice to the Father of mercies.
We must watch over ourselves. We must have the most filial confidence in Our Saviour, in our blessed Mother, in the angels and saints; but as for men, we must avoid them: this is the advice
of the angel to St. Arsenius. Have courage; be assured that God will never abandon you, but will always assist you and give you what is needful.
Look at St. Teresa: obstacles served only to inflame her ardor in the establishment of her monasteries; opposition was to her a preview of the glory that works thus combated give to
God.

LOVE OF SUFFERINGS
The soul is a seed which God sows in the field of the Church; to produce fruits, it must die under the strokes of pains, sorrows, contradictions, and persecutions.

The greater our cross, the greater is our gain; the more deprived suffering is of consolation, the purer is it; the more creatures are against us, the more closely united are we to God.

He who truly loves God regards as little what he suffers for God's sake.

In your trials, have recourse to Mary, and She will remedy them.

Do you know why God subjects you to so many miseries? That He may bestow on you the riches of heaven.

Suffering is brief; joy will be eternal.

Let us fear more to be deprived of sufferings than a miser fears to lose his
treasures.

Sufferings are the pearls of Jesus crucified....It happens sometimes that the lightning rends a mountain and discloses therein a mine of treasures. So, also, the thunderbolts of adversity bring forth a gold-mine in certain souls.

DETACHMENT FROM SELF
Happy the soul that is detached from self-satisfaction, from her own will, from her own sentiments!

Self-love is a dragon with seven heads; it seeks to insert them everywhere; hence we must always fear it, and guard ourselves agamst it. Esteem what belongs to another, and despise what belongs to yourself.

We must persuade ourselves that we are nothing, that we can do nothing, that we know nothing. To have nothing, to be able to do nothing, to know nothing! and God will cause to spring from this nothingness the work of His greatest glory.

DEATH
Whenever death inspires me with fear, I dissipate it immediately in the Passion of my Redeemer.

In reality, to die is sweet, rather than bitter. Death is but the deprivation of life, which is taken from us by the same God Who gave it.

I accept death willingly. He who is guilty of high treason should die; I am guilty, therefore it is just that I die.
After a momentary suffering, divine mercy reserves for you endless joy. Tell me: what would you like to do if you were you to die at this moment? Would you have lived in luxury, which usually leads to grievous sins, and be cast into hell, or would you rather have led a poor life, and then wing your flight to heaven?

"Oh Jesus, my Sovereign Good, what were the sentiments of Your most holy Heart when You were scourged? Oh dear Spouse of my soul, how greatly did the sight of my sins and my ingratitude afflict Thee! my Love! I wish that I could die for Thee!" -St Paul of the Cross

Rome-Vatican-Pope reaches out to Anglicans on the feast of St Paul of the Cross

The Catholic Church reaches out to Anglicans on the Feast of St Paul of the Cross, October 20, 2009

A discussion of the timing of the offer of reconciliation from the Pope to the Anglican Church.

In a extraordinary offer to the members of the Anglican Communion, the Vatican announced on Tuesday Oct 20, the Feast of St Paul of the Cross, that it is establishing a special arrangement that will allow Anglicans to join the Catholic Church while preserving much of their liturgy and spiritual heritage, including an open invitation to its priests who are currently married.

The Anglican Church was formed in 1534, when England's King Henry VIII was denied a marriage annulment, and proceeded to initiate a formal break from the Catholic Church. In more recent times, Anglicans and Catholics have made attempts to reconcile, but Tuesday's move is an extraordinary leap in the reunion of the Anglican Communion with the Catholic Church.

In establishing the new structure offered to the Anglicans, Pope Benedict XVI is responding to "many requests" from individual Anglicans and Anglican groups -- including "20 to 30 bishops," said Cardinal William J. Levada, head of the Vatican's Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith.

The timing of the offer
The official declaration was on October 20, the feast day of Saint Paul of the Cross, as celebrated in the USA (Oct 19th in the Universal Church). Though Saint Paul spent his life in Italy, the Catholic Encyclopedia entry for St Paul of the Cross states that "For fifty years he prayed for the conversion of England, and left the devotion as a legacy to his sons."

In 1720 St Paul of the Cross made a 40 day private retreat alone in preparation for beginning his religious life. During this time of extraordinary fasting and prayer Paul made some entries in a prayer journal (diary) concerning his prayer intentions at this time.
On December 26, the feast of St Stephen, he prayed "for the people of England and its neighboring Kingdoms".

Three days later, on December 29, the feast of St Thomas Becket of Canterbury (The extraordinary Archbishop of Canterbury England who was martyred by the followers of King Henry VIII in the Canterbury Cathedral) St Paul wrote:
"I had a particular impulse to pray for the conversion of England, especially because I want the standard of the holy Faith to be erected, so that there will be an increase of devotion and reverence, of homage and love, and frequent acts of adoration for the Blessed Sacrament, the ineffable mystery of God's most holy love..."

In the Catholic Enclyclopedia entry for the Passionists we read that the Passionists were the first Religious Community to arrive in England after the Anglican break and reformation:
"Father Dominic [Barberi] and his companions came in the spirit of Apostles without gold or silver, without scrip or staff or shoes or two coats.....They took possession of Aston Hall, near Stone, Staffordshire, [England] on 17 Feb., 1842, and there established the first community of Passionists in England. At the time of the arrival of the Passionists there were only 560 [Diocesan] priests in England and the distressful state of the Church there may be learned from the Catholic Directory of 1840.
The Passionists with Father Dominic at their head soon revived without commotion several Catholic customs and practices which had died out since the Reformation. They were the first to adopt strict community life, to wear their habit in public, to give missions and retreats to the people, and to hold public religious processions. "They gloried in the disgrace of the Cross, were laughed at by Protestants, warned by timid Catholics, but encouraged always by Cardinal Wiseman. Their courage became infectious, so that in a short time almost every order now in England followed their example."

In conclusion, perhaps the timing of Pope Benedict's offer to the Anglicans was unintentional, simply a coincidence, but its appropriateness on the feast of St Paul of the Cross is nonetheless remarkable and fitting.

St Paul of the Cross on sickness & suffering

Taken from the book "Flowers of the Passion -Thoughts of St Paul of the Cross" gathered from the letters of the Saint, published in 1893 and availible for free viewing on Google Books here.

In his letters, St Paul of the Cross writes:

"One day the Lord caused me to hear these words at the foot of the tabernacle:
'My son, he who embraces Me embraces thorns.'
-Oh, what a grace! Oh, what a gift!"
*
"Meditation on Jesus Christ crucified is a precious balm which sweetens all our pains."
*
"What an honor God confers on us, when He calls us to travel the same road as His divine Son!"
*
"Be thankful for your precious trials, both interior and exterior; it is thus that the garden of Jesus is adorned with flowers, that is, with acts of virtue!"
*
"The more deeply the cross penetrates, the better; the more deprived of consolation that your suffering is, the purer it will be; the more creatures oppose us, the more closely shall we be united to God."
*
"Believe me, afflictions, fears, desolations, dryness, abandonment, temptations, and other persecutions make an excellent broom, which sweeps from your soul all the dust of hidden imperfections."
*
"Have you ever noticed rocks in the sea, beaten by the tempest? A furious wave dashes against the rock, another and yet another does likewise, yet the rock is unmoved. But look at it after the storm has subsided, and you will see that the flood has but served to wash and purify it of the defilement it had contracted during the calm.
From now on I wish you to be as a rock. A wave dashes against you? Silence! It assails you ten, a hundred, a thousand times? Silence! Say, at most, in the midst of the storm, "My Father,
my Father, I am all Thine! 0 dear, o sweet will of God, I adore Thee !"
*
"The statue must be chiselled with very sharp tools before it is fit to be placed in' the grand gallery."
*
"The holy gospel tells us that unless the grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains but a grain of wheat, and does not bear fruit. But the poor grain by being sown, how much must it not suffer to die and fructify! It must endure rain, snow, wind, and sun. The soul is a seed that God sows in the field of holy Church; to fructify, it must die by dint of pain, contradiction, and persecution."
*
"I wish that all men could understand the great favor that God grants them when, in His goodness, He sends them suffering, and especially suffering devoid of all consolation; for then the soul, like gold which is purified in the fiery crucible, is cleansed, made beautiful, detached from earthly things, and united to the Sovereign Good, without even being conscious of it."
*
"Remember that true holiness is accompanied by pains and tribulations from within and without, by attacks of visible and invisible enemies, by trials of body and mind, by desolations and prolonged dryness; "and all that will live in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3:12) -that is to say, all sorts of trials from demons, from men, and from our rebellious flesh."
*
"Sickness is a great grace of God; it teaches us what we are; in it we recognize the patient, humble, and mortified man. When sickness weakens and mortifies the body, the soul is better disposed to raise herself up to God."
*
"Regarding your bodily health, obey the orders of the physician. Tell him sincerely what you suffer, in modest, clear, and concise language; after having said all that is necessary, be silent and let him act. Do not refuse remedies, but take them in the loving chalice of Jesus, with a pleasant countenance. Be grateful to the person who nurses you; take whatever she offers you. In brief, act as a child in the arms of its mother. Remain in your bed as on the cross. Jesus prayed for three hours on the cross, and His was a truly crucified prayer, with no comfort from within or without.
Oh God! what a grand lesson! Beg God to imprint it on your heart. Oh, what a subject for meditation!"
*
"There could not be a surer sign of God's love for you than this pain which He has sent you. Adore the divine will. You were in good health when you were in the world, but you were not then as dear to God as you are now. He loves you as a daughter, as a cherished spouse: this is why He treats you so generously.
Long illnesses are the greatest favors that God confers on souls whom He loves most. . . . Repose peacefully in the arms of your heavenly Spouse, Who loves you much; hold yourself on the cross of sickness as tranquilly and silently as is possible. If the cause of your illness be the wound of divine love which embalms yO,ur soul, it is well if you die under such a stroke: yours will be a death more precious than life."
*
"In your pains and trials say: 'May Thy holy will be done, Oh my God! I welcome thee, afflictions! Beloved sufferings, I press you to my heart! Ah! dear hand of my God, I bless Thee! Blessed be the holy rod that strikes me with so much love! Oh, tender Father, it is good for me to be humbled!'

"Sickness is a good discipline and a rough hair-cloth. Oh, how pleasing to God are the disciplines which He sends us!" -St Paul of the Cross

St Paul of the Cross feast day & memorial

An explanation of the feast dates of the memorial of St Paul of the Cross

On the Passionists.ning.com website, Father Michael Hoolihan CP kindly gave me an excellent explanation for the feast dates for the memorial of St Paul of the Cross. Here is his explanation:

"Comment by Fr. Michael Hoolahan CP :
Dear Glenn,
The original date for the celebration of St. Paul's feast was April 28th. When I joined the Passionists in 1954 we celebrated on this date. After the Vatican Council the saints celebrations were transferred if possible to the date of their deaths. For Paul that was October 18th. However, this was the feast of Saint Luke. Therefore the universal church chose October 19th. This is the date that it is currently celebrated. However, in the USA the bishops required the celebration of the North American martyrs. Therefore, the US Passionists asked to celebrate the feast on October 20th in the USA.
Hope that clears it up. fr. Mike Hoolahan CP"
________________________________________

So, the universal Church feast (memorial) of St Paul of the Cross is celebrated worldwide on October 19th. In the USA it is celebrated on October 20, because of the memorial of the North American Martyrs on the 19th.

Links to other websites of interest

Passionist Nuns of Whitesville Kentucky

Spirit Daily -Spiritual News from around the world

Passionist Charism blog

For all the Saints website

Traveling Eucharistic Miracles

Mary Pages -Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Words & Quotes of St Paul of the Cross

Sayings of Saint Paul of the Cross

Thanks to a friend I discovered an extraordinary treasure of words and sayings of St Paul of the Cross on various subjects. It is a 106 year old book entitled "Flowers of the Passion -Thoughts of St Paul of the Cross" gathered from the Letters of the Saint by Rev Louis Th de Jesus Agonisant C.P. , published by Benzinger Brothers, 1893. Thankfully, the entire book is availible online for free through Google books here:

http://books.google.com/books?id=Dq0VAAAAYAAJ&dq=Flowers%20of%20the%20Passion%20St%20Paul%20of%20the%20Cross&pg=PA1#v=onepage&q=&f=false

Here are some of these "flowers" of St Paul taken from his letters:

"In times of aridity arouse your spirit gently, by acts of love; then rest in the will of God. It is thus that the soul gives the strongest proof of her fidelity to God. Make a bouquet of the sufferings of Jesus, and place it on the bosom of your soul, as I have told you. You can from time to time call them to mind, and say sweetly to your Saviour: 'Oh good Jesus, how swollen, bruised, and defiled with spittle do I behold Thy countenance! Oh my Love! why do I see Thee all covered with wounds? Oh Infinite Sweetness! why are Thy bones laid bare? Ah, what sufferings! what sorrows! O my God! for what are Thou all wounded! Ah, dear sufferings! dear wounds! I wish to keep you always in my heart'."

__________________________________________________________

"When you are alone in your room, take your crucifix, kiss its five wounds reverently, tell it to
preach to you a little sermon, and then listen to the words of eternal life that it speaks to your heart; listen to the pleading of the thorns, the nails, the precious Blood. Oh, what an eloquent
sermon!"

__________________________________________________________

"On awaking, keep your heart under control, by the remembrance of God, your Love, your only Good. When God inspires you with a sentiment of love, stop and taste it, as the bee sips the
honey.... Ah! when I reflect that my soul is the temple of God, that God dwells in me, how my heart rejoices! All sufferings and afflictions appear to me sweet and light.... What a fruitful source of meditation!
Live in the joy and the peace of the divine Majesty. Live lost in divine love. Live for divine love and of divine love. Oh cherished cross! Through thee my most bitter trials are replete with
graces!"

__________________________________________________________

"The Mass is the most favorable occasion to speak with the eternal Father, because then we
offer Him His only Son as a victim for our salvation. Before celebrating, reflect on the sufferings of your Redeemer, commune peaceably with Him, even in the midst of dryness; carry to the altar the needs of the entire world."

"The feast of the Blessed Sacrament is the feast of love. Oh, what great love! what immense charity! The moth is drawn to the light, and burns itself in it. May your soul likewise draw near to the divine Light! May it be reduced to ashes in that sacred flame, particularly during this great and sweet octave of Corpus Christi. Ah! eat, drink, run, sing, rejoice in honor of your divine Spouse."

"How wonderful are the treasures which are enclosed in the divine Eucharist! I exhort you, even though you live in the world, to receive Communion often, but with piety. Holy Communion is the most efficacious means of uniting one's self to God. Always prepare yourself well for this
sacred banquet. Have a very pure heart, and watch over your tongue, for it is on the tongue that the Sacred Host is laid. Carry Our Lord home with you after your thanksgiving, and let your heart be a living tabernacle for Jesus. Visit Him often in this interior tabernacle, offering Him your homage, and the sentiments of gratitude with which divine love will inspire you. Preserve carefully the sentiments of love with which you are filled after Communion."

__________________________________________________________

"My heart breaks when I think of the sorrows of the most holy Virgin. Oh tender Mother, unutterable was Thy grief in finding Thyself deprived of your dear Son, and then in beholding Him dead in Thy arms! Ah! who can realize the sadness of Mary when She returned to Bethany
after the burial of her Son? Jesus expires on the cross! He is dead that we may have life. All creation mourns: the sun darkens, the earth trembles, the rocks burst, and the veil of the temple is rent in twain; my heart alone remains harder than a rock!

All I say to you now is, console the poor Mother of Jesus. It is a miracle that She does not die; She is absorbed in the sufferings of Jesus. Imitate Her, and ask the Magdalen and the beloved disciple St. John what are their sentiments."

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"From this valley of tears, turn your gaze continually to God, ever awaiting the moment when you will be united to Him in heaven. Often contemplate heaven, and fervently exclaim:
'What a beautiful abode there is above! It is destined for us!'

"Sigh longingly after its possession. Sometimes say, while your eyes are moist with tears:
'Nothing in this world pleases me; I no longer care for anything but my God. Yes, I hope, yes, I wish to possess Him, and I hope this of the mercy of God, through the merits of my Saviour's Passion and the sufferings of my good Mother Mary.'

"When you behold a beautiful landscape, say: 'Heaven is more beautiful than that! Above there are true delights and holy pleasures!'

"Let us live, then, absorbed in the thought and the desire of
that immense ocean of felicity which we are to enjoy in heaven."

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"Oh my God! teach me how to express myself. I wish that I were all aflame with love! More than that: I wish that I could sing hymns of praise in the fire of love, and extol the marvellous mercies that uncreated Love has bestowed on us! Is it not truly a duty to thank God for His gifts? Yes, for sure, but I know not how. I wish to do so, and I know not how. To faint away with the desire to love this great God more and more is little. To consume ourselves for Him is little. What shall we do? Ah! we shall live for that divine Lover in a perpetual agony of love. But, do you think that I have said enough? No; I would say more if I knew how.
Do you know what consoles me somewhat? To know that our great God is an infinite good, and that nobody is capable of loving and praising Him as much as He deserves."

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"Beginners in the service of God sometimes lose confidence when they fall into any fault. When you feel so unworthy a sentiment rising within you, you must lift your heart to God and
consider that all your faults, compared with divine goodness, are less than a bit of tattered thread thrown into a sea of fire.
Suppose that the whole horizon, as far as you can see from this mountain, were a sea of fire; if we cast into it a bit of tattered thread, it will disappear in an instant. So, when you have committed
a fault, humble yourself before God, and cast your fault into the infinite ocean of, charity, and at once it will be effaced from your soul; at the same time all distrust will disappear."

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"Have you ever noticed rocks in the sea, beaten by the tempest? A furious wave dashes against the rock, another and yet another does likewise, yet the rock is unmoved. But look at it after
the storm has subsided, and you will see that the flood has but served to wash and purify it of the defilement it had contracted during the calm. Hereafter I wish you to be as a rock.
A wave dashes against you? Silence! It assails you ten, a hundred, a thousand times? Silence! Say, at most, in the midst of the storm, "My Father, my Father, I am all Thine! Oh dear,
O' sweet will of God, I adore Thee !"

"The statue must be chiselled with very sharp tools before it is fit to be placed in the grand gallery."

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"Build an oratory within yourself, and there have Jesus on the altar of your heart. Speak to Him often while you are doing your work. Speak to Him of His holy love, of His holy sufferings and of the sorrows of most holy Mary"
-St Paul of the Cross writing a reply on Jan 9, 1760 to a busy married woman who felt that she couldn't seem to find enough time to pray.

"If, during life, we have been kind to the suffering souls in purgatory, God will see that help be not denied us after death." -St Paul of the Cross

St Paul of the Cross versus the devil

St. Paul of the Cross, and his battle with the demons

God gave Paul a mission to be a fisher of souls. For decades, he tirelessly preached throughout Italy, converting sinners and drawling countless souls to God. The devil, angered by the loss of so many of his subjects seemed to declare open war upon Paul. On many occasions throughout Paul's life he was fiercely assaulted by the devils. God allowed this, it seems, for two reasons: firstly, to test and purify Paul, thereby increasing his union with God, and secondly for all those who were edified and drawn into a deeper holiness by witnessing Paul's triumph over the demons, always through the grace of God.

As a young man, Paul was given remarkable visions and through them he was called in an extraordinary way to form a congregation that would be devoted to the passion of Jesus and to preaching missions for the conversion of souls. As the day approached for him to be vested in the habit of the new congregation, he was strongly discouraged by the devil. Concerning these years he later wrote: "I experienced interior desolation, depression and doubts. It seemed to me that I would never be able to persevere in my vocation. The devil suggested to me that I was deceived, but I could serve God in some other way, but this was no kind of life for me, etc, and other such things, but I pass over in silence. To crown my misfortune, all devotion had vanished. I felt dry, and was tried in every way. Even the sound of church bells disturbed me. Everyone seemed happy except me. I can never hope to explain these fierce assaults, and I was more strongly attacked by them. When I was about to be vested in the habit and to leave my poor home. "

On many occasions in the morning, his companions would find him red and bruised all over his body as if he had been beaten from head to foot. At other times, the demons sought to disrupt his prayer life by making strange noises in his room in an effort to disrupt his prayers or his sleeping. He stated that off and the demons would appear to him under dreadful forms and knock the furniture about in his room in which screech like cats and grunt like pigs in an infernal concert aimed at distracting and discouraging him.

In the year 1770, he came down with a strange illness. The physicians were unable to discover its source. Remedies were prescribed, but the prescriptions only made him worse. Concerning this strange illness, Paul said: “mine is not a medical case, for my illness is caused by the devils.” During another illness when he was confined to his bed, a devil came into his room and dragged him out of the bed and after having beat him dreadfully, said: “There now, you have come to disrupt me, and you have robbed me of many souls; take that for your labors!” and then disappeared for a time.

During his last illness, seven devils came into his room, appearing as physicians. They examined him in a professional manner, and then gave unanimous opinion stating that he would not live more than a few more days. They also added that his brother, Father John Baptist, had appeared to a holy soul the night before and had stated the same thing. (His holy brother had died many years before –editor). They thought, it seems, that the announcement of his approaching death would cause him to despair, and they had chosen this precise moment because it was a moment in which his spirit was in the darkest state of desolation- a desolation willed by God to purify his soul. Realizing the attempted deceit of the enemy, Paul calmly replied that his own physician might have told him the same, and that he did not see the necessity of such a quorum of gentlemen coming there uninvited. This answer confounded the demons and they disappeared instantly.

Once, when the Saint was returning to his monastery at Monte Argentario, a whole squad of devils met him and tormented and beat him almost to death. On several occasions when people who were thought to be possessed were brought to him, he would take his rosary, and place it around their neck saying that the devil would flee from the rosary of the Blessed Virgin.

Jesus once said to St Paul of the Cross: “I desire that you be walked on by the devils” and on another occasion he was told "I desire for you to be another Job". While on the surface this sounds like God was angry at Paul, it is in fact just the opposite, foe "Gods ways are not our ways, as the Holy Scripture tells us. The purpose of God's actions here is to use the devil to purify Paul, and draw him ever closer to Himself. At times, not only does God draw us closer to Himself through trials and sufferings, but we see in the lives of the Saints that God uses even the Devil to fulfill His purposes.

"Our affairs are still as much embroiled as ever ; we are summoned to appear in court, but we shall not defend ourselves, because the poor cannot afford to go to law. The devil is always on the watch to discover some loophole by which
to enter and ruin the work. Recommend us and all the congregation to God, for our wants are extreme, and my necessities urgent. I am, however, secure of this, that the congregation will flourish when I shall be no more." -St Paul of the Cross

St Paul of Cross & conversion of sinners

St Paul of the Cross and his zeal for the conversion of souls

The Passion of Jesus moved Paul with a fervent desire to reach out to others because its message had deeply penetrated his own heart. The remembrance of the Passion of Jesus was for him a special way of en­countering and approaching God. In his extraordinary love for God, he fervently desired to bring souls to Him. On the Cross, Jesus cried out "I thirst" ...it was not a physical thirst, but a thirst for the conversion of souls that came forth from the loving heart of our Jesus! And through his special devotion and union with Jesus in His Passion, Paul too "thirsted" for the conversion of sinners.

One day the Saint was at the foot of the crucifix, pleading for the salvation of sinners, whose souls were specially dear to him. Long and fervent were the sighs of that loving heart, as he reminded his Lord of all that He had suffered, and be­sought Him not to let His sufferings be in vain. He was so thoroughly absorbed in this prayer for souls, that he forgot all about himself. After a long period of prayer and contemplation he said: "Oh, Lord, I pray for others, yet my own soul is only fit for hell." Scarcely had he spoken, when he heard his crucified Lord said to him, "Thy soul is in my heart."

The crucifix which he used in his missions, and which may be seen at present in the room in which the Saint died in the Basilica of SS. John and Paul in Rome, was the instrument of many miracles. Once he passed by a farmer ploughing in the field who was cursing and swearing at a yoke of oxen which were not sufficiently obedient to his wishes. The Saint reproved him, saying that cursing could not improve either man or beast. The man was not at all in the mood for being preached to at the time, so he took up a gun which lay beside him, and leveled it at Paul. The Saint raised his crucifix, and said, "Since you will not obey the voice of God, nor respect His image, let us see if these poor brutes will not." At that very moment the oxen fell to their knees. -Oh, the power of God as revealed through His saints! The man lowered the gun in utter shock and disbelief, and understandably the word of this miracle spread throughout the surrounding towns like wildfire.

In his Diary on December 4, 1720 St Paul writes:
“At holy Communion I had much sweetness. My dear God gave me infused knowledge of the joy which the soul will have when we see him face to face, when it will be united with him in holy love. Then I felt sorrow to see him offended and I told him that I would willingly be torn to pieces for a single soul. Indeed, I felt that I would die when I saw the loss of so many souls who do not experience the fruit of the Passion of Jesus.”

Reaching out to those who were not experiencing the love of God, the fruit of the Passion of Jesus, would be an essential mission of the Passionists. Paul believed that God wanted this new community to be founded so that His love could touch the hearts of those who felt cut off from him. In his diary on December 7, 1720 Paul wrote:
"I had likewise great fervor mingled with tears in praying for the conversion of poor sinners; I kept telling God that I could no longer bear to see him offended. I had also special tenderness in imploring God in his mercy to found the holy Congregation quickly, and to send forth some people for His greater glory and for the good of their neighbors - this with great desire and fervour. I asked Him to accept me as the least and lowest servant of his poor, and it seemed to me that I was utterly unworthy (as indeed I am) to serve Him as a slave."

St. Paul would prepare for his missions with prayer, fasting and many sacrifices. Although not generally accepted today, Paul often used the discipline (lash) as a means of obtaining graces for the conversion of sinners . When giving a mission in the year 1750, a local resident discovered his method of preparing for a sermon. As it was near the time for the sermon, the gentleman was sent to the saints room to retrieve him. Peering through the door, he called Paul and discovered that Paul had been kneeling on an iron plate studied over with short, sharp spikes. It was with these and other penances that Paul obtained the necessary graces from God for the conversion of sinners during the mission.

A Canon (Priest) of St. Lorenzo delle Grotte, in the Diocese of Montefiascone named Don Giuseppe Paci gives the following account of one of Father Paul's mission sermons. The Saint asked him to come on the platform and hold his missionary crucifix while he preached. "As soon as the sermon began" he said "I heard a voice and could not tell what it was like a scene like the voice of a prompter. And I distinctly observe that every word, father Paul spoke. I had heard already be few moments earlier by the "prompting" voice. This circumstance, exceedingly surprised me as nothing of this kind has ever or occurred to me before or since. I then began to try and find where the voice was coming from. There was no one on the platform, except Father Paul and myself, and there was no one near enough to be able to be heard in a whisper such as I heard the voice. It must have come from God, and it continued throughout the sermon, for no human words could produce such affects. There was not even one person present, who did not weep abundantly; and well they did, for the words of the missionary would have softened a heart of flint."

"I felt most fervent during the night and even shed some tears when praying to the Lord for holy Church and for sinners." -St Paul of the Cross