Q: Who are the Passionists?
A: The Passionists are a Roman Catholic religious order of vowed priests and brothers, sisters and nuns operating with the full support and approval of the Vatican and the Holy Father. Our mission is the communication of the saving message of the Cross of Jesus Christ. Passionists are scholars, preachers, spiritual directors, retreat masters, teachers, chaplains, authors, musicians, artists, researchers, gardeners, poets and ministers to the suffering people of the world.
Q: Who Founded the Passionists?
A: Paul Francis Daneo, and Italian mystic and saint know popularly as St. Paul of the Cross, founded the Passionists in 1720. For St. Paul of the Cross, the Passion of Jesus was "the most overwhelming work of God's love." He was convinced that renewed awareness of the suffering of Christ could lead persons to deepened faith and help them to find meaning in the midst of their suffering and distress. Through ministries of preaching and communication, St. Paul of the Cross worked to renew the religious awareness of his time, particularly among the neglected groups of his society. Today Passionists everywhere continue the mission of their dedicated founder.
Q: When did the Passionists come to the United States?
A: The Passionist Congregation came to America in 1852, settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Holy Cross Province celebrated 100 years in 2006.
Q: What is the logo of the Passionists?
A: The special insignia of every Passionist is the "Sign," the heart shaped emblem you see on our materials. It catches, in an image, the meaning of Passionist life.
In the middle of the emblem are the words, "Jesu XPI Passio." Written in Greek and Latin, the languages of the early Church, these words mean: "the Passion of Jesus Christ." (The three nails at the bottom and the cross at the top remind us symbolically of His suffering and death.)
Q: Are there Passionist Saints?
A: Yes, the Passionists are proud to acknowledge many saints in their history: St. Maria Goretti, St. Gabriel Possenti, St. Gemma Galgani, St. Vincent Strambi, Blessed Lorenzo Maria Salvi, Blessed Dominic Barberi, and most recently St. Charles Houben (Charles of Mount Argus, Canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on June 3, 2007).