Saint Paul of The Cross

Saint Paul of the Cross, also known as God’s Hunter of Souls, was born Paolo Francesco Danei on January 3, 1694, in Ovada, Piedmont, Italy. He was the second of sixteen children born to Luca Danei and Anna Maria Daneo, with only six of his siblings surviving infancy. Raised in a devout Catholic family, Paolo's father was known for his deep faith, and his uncle and brother were both priests. From an early age, Paolo displayed a strong piety and attended daily Mass. However, he was not confirmed until the age of 25, following the common practice of the time. In 1701, the Danei family relocated from Ovada to Castellazo Bormida, where Paolo received his early education at a boy's school run by a priest in Cremolino.

In 1713, Paolo had a profound religious experience, known as a "conversion," which convinced him that he was called to religious life. Consequently, he declined an arranged marriage and, upon receiving an inheritance from a wealthy priest uncle, chose to keep only the man's breviary, renouncing the wealth. In 1715, he volunteered for military service in the crusade against the Turks. However, his conviction to religious life led him to return home in 1716. In 1720, Paolo experienced a series of visions, including one where he saw himself wearing the habit of the Passionists, a potential religious community. With the support of his bishop, he went on a 40-day retreat and wrote the rule for the community, naming it "The Poor of Jesus."

Paul's brother, Giovanni-Battista, became the second member of the budding community. Together, they moved to Rome and sought partnerships to care for patients and staff in hospitals they founded. During their time in Rome, the Danei brothers studied theology, and on June 7, 1727, they were ordained as priests by Pope Benedict XIII in Saint Peter's Basilica. Father Paul emerged as a powerful preacher, captivating audiences with his spiritual teachings. His sermons were so compelling that even hardened soldiers and bandits were known to weep upon hearing his words. He devoted much of his time to spiritual direction, and over 2,000 of his letters have survived. Initially, the Passionists attracted only a few members due to their ascetic lifestyle, which involved spending at least three hours in prayer each day.

However, their dedication steadily grew. In 1737, the first Passionist Retreat was established on Monte Argentario on the west coast of Italy. The Passionist Rule was approved by Pope Benedict XIV on May 15, 1741, and Pope Clement XIV approved the congregation in 1769. Despite his reluctance, Father Paul served as the congregation's first superior-general. By the time of his death on October 18, 1775, in Rome, there were 12 Retreats and 180 members in the Passionist congregation. Today, the Passionist fathers, brothers, and sisters continue their impactful work around the world. Saint Paul of the Cross was beatified by Blessed Pope Pius IX on May 1, 1853, and canonized by the same pope on June 29, 1867. He is recognized as the patron saint of Ovada, Italy, and the Pitigliano-Sovana-Orbetello Diocese. His feast day is celebrated on October 19, with October 18 being dedicated to his memory in Rome, Italy.