The feast of St. Paul of the Cross brought our Passionist Family together to celebrate the life of our founder and the mission we share.
The feast of St. Paul of the Cross is celebrated on October 19 on the Church’s general calendar and October 20 in the United States, where October 19 honors the North American Martyrs.
Though the dates differ, the celebration unites our worldwide Passionist Family in gratitude for our founder and his invitation to keep the memory of Christ’s Passion alive through prayer, community and compassion.
Here are a few glimpses of how our communities marked these special days.
A Celebration in Rome
On October 19, Passionist religious and lay people gathered at the Basilica of Saints John and Paul in Rome for a solemn Mass. Archbishop Mauro Lalli presided, with Superior General Fr. Giuseppe Adobati, CP, and other priests concelebrating. The Polyphonic Choir of the Basilica of San Clemente provided the music, and members of other religious communities joined in honoring Paul’s spiritual legacy.
View photos and read the homily from the celebration.
La cruz y la esperanza que portamos
On October 19, Holy Cross Province and St. Paul of the Cross Province co-hosted La cruz y la esperanza que portamos, an online program exploring Passionist spirituality for everyday life.
Through prayer, reflections and personal stories, participants considered how the love at the heart of St. Paul of the Cross’s spirituality can help us find hope and respond with compassion to the suffering of people and our Earth.
Watch the recording and explore the program.
Celebrating Faith and Community in Louisville
Sacred Heart Community in Louisville, KY, celebrated the feast of St. Paul of the Cross with Mass and a shared dinner. The gathering offered time to give thanks for our founder, enjoy one another’s company and celebrate the community life at the heart of our Passionist mission.
At Saint Agnes School, the entire community gathered for Mass, with eighth graders leading prayer and reflection. The third–fifth grade choir and middle school choir led the singing, while Little Buddies and Big Buddies sat together, celebrating the friendships that connect students across grade levels.
The festivities continued at lunchtime when Fr. Bruno D’Souza, CP, treated the student body to snacks and treats in honor of the feast.
See Saint Agnes School’s celebration.
Mass and Fellowship at Holy Name
At Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston, the community celebrated on October 20 with a morning Mass and reception. Fr. Cedric presided at Mass in the retreat chapel, honoring the founder whose spirituality continues to shape the community’s life and ministry.
A first-class relic of St. Paul of the Cross remained in the chapel for veneration throughout the day, offering visitors an opportunity for prayer.
Watch an excerpt from Fr. Cedric’s homily y see his post from the celebration.
Reflections for the Feast
Alongside these gatherings, our Passionist Family shared reflections on Paul’s life and his spirituality for today. Revisit the reflections from P. David Colhour, CP, P. Mike Higgins, CP y P. Johnson Emmanuel, CP, along with videos from PassioChristi y Fr. Giuseppe Adobati, CP, Superior General of the Passionists.
May these celebrations renew our connection to one another and inspire us to carry Paul’s spirit into everyday acts of hospitality and compassion.
¡Que la Pasión de Jesucristo esté siempre en nuestros corazones!
