Saint of the Day: St Paul of the Cross (19 October)

A merchant’s son became a preacher of a love that could never be bought. St Paul of the Cross, remembered on 19 October, devoted his life to helping ordinary people discover that Christ’s suffering was not the defeat of love, but its deepest revelation.

His story invites us to look at the crucifix again—not as a distant religious symbol, but as a personal assurance that God has drawn near to our wounded world.

From family life to a deeper calling

Paul Danei was born in Ovada, in what is now Italy, on 3 January 1694. He grew up in a Catholic family that experienced financial hardship and the sorrow of losing several children. He helped with his father’s trading business, while developing a strong life of prayer.

As a young man, Paul considered different paths, including military service. Gradually, he became convinced that God was calling him to a life centred on prayer, penance and preaching the Passion of Jesus.

This did not mean turning away from the needs of others. For Paul, contemplating Christ’s wounds would become the source of a compassionate mission to people who needed encouragement, reconciliation and hope.

Forty days that helped shape a mission

In 1720, with the support of his bishop, Paul put on a simple black religious habit and undertook a retreat lasting forty days at Castellazzo. During this time, he kept a spiritual diary and wrote a rule for the community he hoped to establish.

The path ahead was slow and demanding. His younger brother, John Baptist, joined him, and both were ordained priests in 1727. Together they combined periods of solitude and prayer with service and preaching.

The community became known as the Passionists. Their rule received papal approval in 1741. Their distinctive mission was to keep alive the memory of Jesus’ Passion and help people recognise the love revealed in his suffering and death.

Paul preached parish missions and offered spiritual guidance to people in many walks of life. He died in Rome on 18 October 1775 and was canonised in 1867.

Why he matters today

We often feel pressure to appear strong, cheerful and in control. Paul points us towards a Saviour who did not remain untouched by anguish, rejection or pain.

His devotion to the Passion was not an invitation to seek suffering for its own sake. Nor should it be used to tell anyone to remain in danger or accept abuse. Rather, it teaches us that suffering need not separate us from God, and that love calls us to stand beside those who hurt.

The cross cannot be separated from the Resurrection. Christ’s self-giving love opens the way to life, even when we cannot yet see how hope will emerge.

Perhaps Paul’s invitation today is simple: spend a few quiet minutes before a crucifix. Bring Jesus one burden without trying to disguise it. Then consider one practical act of kindness towards someone carrying a burden of their own.

A prayer for his intercession

St Paul of the Cross, pray for us, that we may recognise the love of Jesus in his Passion. Help us to bring our sorrows honestly to him and to meet the suffering of others with tenderness. Ask the Lord to strengthen our faith, deepen our hope and make us generous in love. Amen.

May the crucified and risen Christ give you courage for the next faithful step.