Optional Memorial of St. Paul of the Cross, Priest

READINGS

Gospel Matthew 16:24-27

Jesus said to his disciples,"Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and  forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life?For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father's glory,and then he will repay each one according to his conduct."

REFLECTION

You must corresponnd faithfully to His merciful action by humbling yourself ever more in your nothingness before His Sovereign Majesty, renouncing all these gifts and remaining in utter nakedness and nothingness. At the same time offer a holocaustal sacrifice of all these gifts and put them in the thruible of your heart so that, enkindled by God's charity, they may ascend as a fragrant incense before the Most Hight Majesty of the Supreme Good. From a letter to Mother Mary Crucified, by St. Paul of the Cross.

St. Paul of the Cross, originally named Paolo Francesco Danei, was born in Ovada, Italy. Raised by devout Catholic parents, Paolo learned to love God from an early age. His mother educated him about the Blessed Mother, Christ's Passion, and the lives of saints.

As Paolo matured, his family relocated multiple times due to his father's job, and he received his education from Carmelite priests. He was a diligent student, attending Mass daily and engaging in prayer, fasting, and self-mortification to connect with Christ's Passion. During his schooling, Paolo received spiritual direction. The priest imposed strict penances, treating him as if he were a serious sinner. He was even assigned the penance of attending a dance. Although hesitant, he complied. When he stepped onto the dance floor, every string instrument broke. The priest then recognized Paolo's special calling from God.

After his education, he served as a soldier against the Ottoman Empire, but God inspired him to leave the military to serve in another way. He was honorably discharged and returned home.

At the age of 26, Paul had a vision of the Blessed Mother, who revealed to him a habit with a white cross on the chest and words around it reading "JESU XPI PASS," meaning "The Passion of Jesus Christ."

Paul shared this vision with his bishop, who gave him a black habit and instructed him to draft a Rule for a new congregation. Paul complied and wrote the Rule for the new diocesan congregation of the "Poor of Jesus."

Paul traveled to Rome to present the Rule to the Pope, but the guards denied him entry. He then went to Saint Mary Major, gave his last piece of bread to a beggar, and vowed to promote devotion to the Passion of Jesus. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Passionists' charism became his mission.

The Cardinal ordered Paul to be ordained a priest, and he was ordained on June 7, 1727. Father Paul preached about the Cross and Christ's Passion, deeply loving Christ and all He suffered for sinners. He cared for the sick, led a contemplative life in prayer, preached missions, and had the ability to read souls.

St. Paul of the Cross found immense joy in suffering, discovering Christ through it, and he wanted everyone to know the Crucified Lord.

Let us recite the PAPA Prayer for Priests to instill Christ's Passion in our hearts.