We, The Passionists of Holy Cross Province, are one part of the global religious order of men founded by St. Paul of the Cross called The Congregation of The Passion, or more commonly known as The Passionists.
The Passionists were founded in 1720 by St. Paul of the Cross and officially recognized as a Congregation in the Catholic Church by Pope Benedict XIV in 1741.
Being a vowed Passionist
Passionist religious throughout the world, whether priests or brothers, profess four vows. Three of the vows, poverty, chastity and obedience, are taken in most Catholic religious Congregations.
The primary, or fourth, vow of Passionists, whether priests or brothers, is to promote the memory of the Passionist of Jesus in the heart of the faithful.
Read more about being a vowed Passionist
Vowed Passionists Today
Congregational Structure
As a global religious order of men, the Congregation is organized into a framework for living out our shared mission and spiritual commitments. Passionists are organized into 23 provinces and vice-provinces, including us, The Passionists of Holy Cross Province.
Leadership roles guide the community at the international, regional and local levels, fostering unity, accountability and collaboration across the order worldwide.
As the highest authority of the Congregation of the Passion, General Chapters are significant moments in Passionist life and history.
This high-level meeting is an opportunity for the global Passionist Congregation to be together in solidarity and set direction for the future.
As the supreme legislative body of an international community, the Chapter gives general directives which each Province is obliged to carry out within its own particular culture and circumstances.
The Passionist Congregation elects a Superior General for a six-year term of office at the General Chapter. He is the top administrative level of authority and leadership.
The Superior General is responsible for ensuring that the universal law of the Church, the Passionist Constitutions and the directives of the General Chapter are being carried out by our religious in a spirit of faithfulness to our Passionist charism.
Six General Consultors from around the Congregation are elected at the same Chapter as the Superior General.
The Congregation is divided into 23 Provinces and Vice Provinces spread over 57 countries. (General Superior Report August, 2024.)
A Province is the next legal level of authority and administration below the Congregation itself. Each Province has its own authority and administration led by a Provincial Superior, who is assisted by a Provincial Council.
Provinces are organized into groups called Configurations.
In 2006, the General Chapter created new groups called “Configurations” to allow greater dialogue within the Congregation. Configurations are composed of Provinces and Vice-Provinces and have a President with a leadership council and commissions on personnel, formation and finance to enhance solidarity.
Configurations help to create strong intercultural Passionist presences with vibrant Passionist communities and ministries for future generations.
Generalate
The Monastery and Basilica of Sts. John and Paul in Rome are the worldwide headquarters of the Passionists.
It is where the General Chapter is held and also where the Superior General and Consultors live.
Read more about the Generalate