The historical development of the Passionist Congregation as reflected in the lifestyle of its founder falls into three divisions.

The Eremetical Phase (1720-1726) ~

First alone, and then in the company of his brother John Baptist, St Paul of the Cross led an eremitical life, never settling in one place.

In September 1721, in the Madonna Chapel of St. Mary Major in Rome he finalized the end of the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ. During this period his preaching apostolate, which he had begun even as layman, was carefully limited by the saint, so that the solitude and penance of the hermits might not be superseded by an excess of external works no matter how beneficial for others.

This period also saw initial verbal approval of the order by Pope Benedict XIII in May of 1725 on the porch of St Mary Dominica, popularly called "La Navicella" to gather companions and form the nucleus of a new congregation in the Church.

The Juridical Phase (1727-1775) ~

This period represents internal changes in the nature and structure of the Congregation of the Passion, moving from a lay to a clerical congregation in 1727, and from a diocesan status to one of pontifical right (initial approval) in 1741. Following the initial approval document in June of 1741, Father Paul and his companions made their religious profession and assumed the Passionist sign publicly.

Also from this date forward Father Paul never used his family name again, taking instead the title "of the Cross". A reconfirmation from Pope Benedict XIV followed in a letter written in April of 1746. A further papal approval came from Pope Clement XIII in November of 1760.

Next came the most outstanding document of all, the monumental bull Supremi Apostolatus of November 1769, (the Official approval) granted by Pope Clement XIV. This is the Magna Carta of the Passionist Congregation, erecting it as a papal institute of simple vows, with all the privileges of the orders with solemn vows, including the communication of privileges.

About a month before his death, St. Paul of the Cross received the final pontifical approval within his lifetime, the bull Praeclara Virtutum Exempla, from Pope Pius VI in September of 1775.

The Development Phase (1737-1773)~

This period of external development corresponds for the most part with the previous time-span, although it has its own reality. It extends from the foundation of the first house of the congregation to the last foundation made in the lifetime of the Founder.

From the first General Chapter in 1747 until his death, St. Paul of the Cross was always the elected Superior General. His original twelve foundations were marked by opposition from outsiders, especially from other religious orders, including even St. Leonard of Port Maurice. Also from defectors from within his own congregation.

Beside the original twelve foundations, St. Paul of the Cross also founded the Institute of the Cloistered Passionist Nuns in May of 1771. Their first Monastery of the presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Corneto, now Tarquinia, with Venerable Mother Mary Crucified of Jesus, CP.

The twelve primitive foundations of St. Paul of the Cross literally form a wreath around the eternal city of Rome, as all except two were located in the Patrimony of St. Peter.

By the time of the death of St. Paul of the Cross in 1775 the statistics for the congregation were 176 religious, two provinces and twelve retreat houses or monasteries. The twelve houses were located in Monte Argentario (2), Vetralla, Ceccano, Tuscania, Falvaterra, Terracina, Paliano, Monte Cavo, Tarquinia and Rome (2).

The first Rule for the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ was written by St. Paul of the Cross in 1741. It included what a man must do to enter the order, when and where to wear the habit, about novices, profession of vows, poverty, chastity, obedience, spiritual exercises and prayer, recreation, sleep, elections of superiors, worldly concerns, penances, caring for sick brethren, and death of a Brethren.

FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION

• What interests you the most about the founding of the Congregation?

• What questions do you have about the Congregation?

The Charism

Like every founder of a religious order, St. Paul of the Cross had his own special charism. This term is used today so often and in so many lesser significations that this is to affirm that it is used here in the strict theological sense and in the contemporary sense used by the Second Vatican Council.

In light of these concepts of charism in the Church, we can distinguish St. Paul of the Cross' personal charism as founder. He did this for himself as you can see from an excerpt of his Spiritual Diary dated November 28, 1728:

I remember I was praying to the Most Blessed Virgin Mary in concert with all the angels and saints, especially the Holy Founders, when all at once it seemed to me in spirit that I saw them prostrate themselves before the Most Holy trinity of God for this end [foundation of the Congregation of the Passion]. It happened to me in an instant like a flash of lightening and sweetness mingled with tears. The manner in which I saw it was not with any bodily form. It was in the spirit, with an understanding by my soul which I cannot explain, and almost at once it disappeared.

As founder he saw himself only as an instrument in the hands of God. The following incidents bring this idea forth. In response to the question of a cardinal as to whether or not he was the founder of this new congregation, he replied, "Ah, your Eminence, the founder is Jesus Christ Crucified. I have but spoiled the work by my sins." Finally, and with deep humility: "If I could I would blot my name from the Papal Briefs; I do not wish any memory of me to remain in the Congregation."

For those who would come after him, St. Paul of the Cross saw a three-fold charism: the spirit of prayer, the spirit of solitude, and the spirit of poverty.

In August of 1775 when the founder of the Passionists was given Last Rights (today called Anointing of the Sick), by Fr. John Baptist of St. Vincent Ferrer, CP (who was to succeed him in office as General), in the presence of the whole community he gave what has since come to be called his "Spiritual Testament."

This, my dearly beloved brethren, is what I wish with all the love of my poor heart both from you who are present, from the others who wear this habit of penance and mourning in memory of the Passion and Death of our beloved Divine Redeemer, and from those who will in the future be called to his little flock of Jesus Christ.

I recommend to all, and especially to the superiors, continually to preserve and foster in the Congregation, the spirit of prayer, the spirit of solitude, and the spirit of poverty. Be certain that if these three things are maintained, the Congregation shall shine as the sun in the sight of God and men.

The charism of his and their apostolate was also renewed at this time.

Try to labor as much as possible for the good of Holy Church, for the salvation of poor souls by missions, spiritual exercises and other works according to our Institute promoting in all hearts devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ and the Dolours of Mary.

FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION

• How does the charism of the Passionists fit into your life?

• When you think of the “crucified” of to- day, who do you think of? How are you working with them, praying for them and walking with them?

from Joyce Hansen, Detroit USA
youthmin@passionist.org

NEW FORMS OF PASSIONIST LIFE AND MISSION
By John Pearce CP

The third millennium sees the Passionist Charism being lived in new forms of community and new forms of mission rather different to what it was in the time of St Paul of the Cross. 

Some of these rose up in the 19th and 20th centuries in religious communities affiliated with the Passionists. Some of these are:

• Sisters of the Cross & Passion (CP) founded in England, and now an international community. They are in Sydney and Adelaide in Australia.

• Passionists Sisters of St Paul of the Cross, founded in Italy, and now and international
community. They are in Melbourne (Aus) and Wewak (PNG).

Realising that the Passionist Charism is not confined to religious, lay expression if this charism is found in other ways like:

• Community of Passionist Partners (USA).
• Passionist Companions (Australia & New
Zealand).
• Passionist Volunteers (US).
• Tendopoli Youth Movement (Italy).
• Passionist Lay Missionaries.

As time progresses, other ways of living the Passionist Charism will rise up in the Church. As they do, they will face the challenges of living the first vow of St Paul of the Cross from 1720, namely, to promote the living memory of the Passion and to gather Companions (to join in this mission).