St. Paul of The Cross 1694 – 1775

 

[Saint Paul of the Cross]Feastday 28th April/20th October                       

Born 1694                              

Died 1775

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Son of a merchant. Pius youth. After receiving a vision, and while still a layman, he founded the Congregation of Discalced Clerks of the Most Holy Cross and Passion (Passionists) in 1721 to preach about Jesus Crucified. Preacher of such power that hardened soldiers and bandits were seen to weep. At one point all the brothers in the order deserted him, but in 1741 his rule was approved by Pope Benedict XIV, and the community began to grow again. Priest. Missionary.1

 

1. Taken from the Patron Saints Index  at http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintp09.htm

 

“During more than fifty years this saint was accustomed to pray for the return of England to the Catholic  Faith, and on several occasions had visions and  revelations about its re-conversion. In spirit he saw the Passionists established in England and labouring there for the conversion and sanctification of souls.  It is well known that several leaders of the Oxford Movement, including Cardinal Newman, and thousands of  converts have been received into the Church in England  by the Passionist missionaries…” 1

 

“He often said that England was so deeply fixed in his mind and heart that he could not forget it in his prayers. We must remark, however, that under the idea of England he embraced the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. He was often heard to say: Poor England! poor England! once the island of saints, turned now into a den of heresy! I cannot forget to pray for that great nation. God, I believe, will be merciful to her.” 2

 

References

1. The Catholic Encyclopedia  Prophecy http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12473a.htm

2. Fr Guadentius Rossi (Pellegrino) The Christian Trumpet (Thos. B. Noonand & Co, Boston, U.S. 1873) p. 105