Mission Statement
The Passionists, a family of priests, brothers and laity, reach out with compassion to the crucified of today. We keep alive the memory of Christ’s passion through our commitment to community, prayer, ministries of the Word, and service to those who suffer. We welcome all who seek renewed life through the power of the Cross and the hope of the Resurrection.
Adopted June 21, 2007
32nd Province Chapter
The Congregation of the Passion, Holy Cross Province
The Passionist Sign
While walking I was recollected in prayer: when I turned the corner to go home I was raised up by God to the heights of recollection to the point of forgetting everything else and sensed an interior sweetness: it was at this moment that I saw myself, in spirit, vested in black from head to toe, with a white cross on my breast and under the cross the Most Holy name of Jesus in white letters.
St. Paul of the Cross
One summer evening in Castellazzo, Italy, after Mass, St. Paul of the Cross had a powerful moment of prayer.
As he walked home, he felt completely drawn into God’s presence. In that moment, he saw himself, in spirit, dressed in black with a white cross on his chest—and beneath it, the holy name of Jesus. That vision became the symbol of our life as Passionists.
The heart-shaped emblem you see here—called the “Sign”—captures our mission. At its center are the words Jesu XPI Passio, Latin and Greek for “The Passion of Jesus Christ.” The cross and three nails remind us of His suffering and love.
A Special Vow
Why do Passionists make a vow to keep the memory of Christ’s Passion alive? Because the cross changes everything.
Jesus didn’t just suffer and die—He gave His life out of love for the world. His death wasn’t just a tragedy, but a moment that changed history. The cross tells us that God’s love is stronger than death, and we want the world to know that love.
Every Passionist takes a special vow: to keep the memory of Christ’s Passion alive in our hearts and share it with the world. This is the heart of who we are.
But there’s more. Jesus died for justice. He stood with the poor, challenged injustice and was killed for it. His cross calls us to do the same—to hear the cry of the forgotten and speak out against systems that oppress.
Read more about vowed Passionist life
Belief in the Resurrection
Christians who believe in Jesus find strength in the memory of his Passion. Jesus knew pain and death. He also tasted the victory of everlasting life. Death is not the final word for those who believe. This, too, is part of the Resurrection message Passionists proclaim to the world.
The special sign we wear is meant to symbolize a solemn commitment to proclaim God’s great love made known through the cross of Jesus. We nourish that memory in our hearts through prayer. We share that good news with all the world. We proclaim it through preaching, in our parishes and retreat centers, through radio and television, and by our presence in classrooms, missions and those ministries of service to the community.
Don Senior, CP
Copyright © 1999 Passionist Community, all rights reserved.
The Eucharist
The Eucharist is a divine reality which transforms our lives. Our Passionist Constitutions remind us:
“The Eucharist is the summit and supreme expression of our worship.”
It is our act of thanksgiving and praise as we bring to the table of the Lord our communities, apostolic ministries and we pray for the needs of our brothers and sisters, especially those whose lives are suffering the Passion.
Living in Community
Passionist community has its roots in the founding inspiration of St. Paul of the Cross who first gathered companions to live a life dedicated to keeping alive the memory of the Passion of Jesus Christ.
“Saint Paul of the Cross gathered companions to live together and to proclaim the Gospel of Christ to all.”
This quote from the beginning of our Constitutions reminds us that the Gospel calls us to community. Sharing, and celebrating in the gifts and talents we bring together enhances who we are enhancing the mission of living out and proclaiming the Gospel.
Today, this community bond is experienced by men and women, religious and lay, who intentionally and actively share in the Passionist charism. This life is marked by contemplation of the Passion, deep compassion for the suffering, Gospel centered living and a mission to bring hope to a broken world. Whether religious or lay, this kind of community keeps the memory of the Passion alive, not as a past event, but as a present, saving power in everyday life.
Living in community is at the heart of our vocation.
Community life grounds us in prayer, mutual support and shared mission. Together, we strengthen one another to keep alive the memory of Christ’s Passion and to serve those who are suffering. It is in community that we find the encouragement, accountability and grace needed to live out our calling with faith and compassion.