“If I am saved, as I hope through God’s Mercy I will, it will be due to the training of my mother.”

Paolo Francesco was born on January 3, 1694, in Ovada, Piedmont, of northern Italy to devout Catholics, Luca and Anna Massari Danei, as the 2nd of 16 children. At an early age he learned the reality of death as only 6 survived infancies.

His father ran a small dry-goods store and moved his family from town to town. His mother introduced her children to a devotion to the Blessed Mother, told them of Christ’s Passion, and the lives of the saints.

They relocated and he was taught by Carmelite priests who kept a school.

At 19, he experienced a conversion after reading the “Treatise on the Love of God” by Saint Francis de Sales. He became profoundly aware of his sin, and sought Confession to cleanse himself of every sin, attachment, and disordered desire.

The Pope encouraged assistance in the war against the Turks and Paul joined. While in prayer, God told him He had other important plans, and Paul received an honorable discharge. He then returned to assist his family.

He assisted a childless elder couple and they offered their inheritance to him. In addition, his father produced an arranged marriage with a wealthy woman, but through prayer he found direction and left both behind.

He taught catechism and inspired many young men to enter the religious life. He cared for the poor and had great charisma. God provided him the ability to read souls which led to many conversions and humble confessions which won the admiration of the townspeople who began to consider him a living Saint.

In a vision, God invited him to form a community who would promote the love of God revealed in the Passion of Jesus. After the appearance of the Blessed Virgin to him, he was clothed in the black habit of a hermit, and he wrote the Rule of his new community. The 1st companion was his brother.

They accepted an invitation by the Cardinal to establish a new hospital and provided nursing care and pastoral needs to both patients and staff.

After studying Theology, the brothers were ordained, and for the next 15 years, they preached in remote country places where priests were scarce. They also formed popular retreats at their monasteries. Their strict life caused the Order to grow slowly but it remained firm and strong.

In 1741, they received final approval to establish as the Congregation of the Discalced Clerks of the Most Holy Cross and Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, or more known as the “Passionists”.

At the time of his death on October 18, 1775, there were hundreds of brothers and priests dedicated to a life of prayer and preaching centered on the Passion of Christ with 12 monasteries. He had also composed 2,000 letters which provided spiritual advice and profound insights into Christ’s Passion.

He is the patron saint of Hungary and Ovada, Italy.

His feast day is October 20.

For God’s Glory.