The Saints: St. Paul of the Cross

c. 1694-1775 / Feast - Oct. 20

Paul was born to a devout Italian family. He fought for Venice against the Turks, but did not like soldiering and retired to a life of prayer. In a “great vision” in 1720, he saw himself in the habit of the order he would found. After ordination in 1727 he chose the name Paul of the Cross and founded the Congregation of the Passion, or Passionists, to focus on prayer, penance and parish missions. Paul became well-known for his fervent preaching and for promoting devotion to the Passion.