St. Paul of the Cross

"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 (spiritual) dryness; carry to the altar the needs of the entire world."
- St. Paul of the Cross (1694 - 1775)

Today is the feast day of St. Paul of the Cross, the founder of the Passionists. Paul was born in Ovada, Italy, in 1694. He was said to of been very pious and innocent in his youth, and was inspired to found a religious congregation by God that was devoted to the Passion of Jesus Christ. Paul received an ecstasy from God in which he saw the habit he and his companions were to wear. God continued to bestow supernatural gifts upon Paul throughout his life, but he humbly treated himself as a fruitless servant. Paul died in Rome in 1775, and was canonized by Pope Pius IX in 1867. 

St. Paul of the Cross, pray for us!

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Picture of and Information About St. Paul Taken From:

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=810

http://www.saintpaulofthecross.com/2009/09/st-paul-of-cross-pictures.html