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The Passionists: 150 years in America |
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by Gerald Laba, C.P. Following the founder's death (October 18, 1775) the growth of the congregation until 1840 was confined to the area of present day Italy. It was principally the political situation in Europe which delayed further expansion during this peninsular period. With the leadership of Anthony Testa (1839-62), recognized as the second founder (illustration, right), the congregation began to experience a period of universal growth, extending its mission "to Belgium, England, France, Holland, Australia and the United States" 1
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The
tradition and spirit of the Passionist Congregation are rooted in the
unique charism given to Paul Francis Daneo, known as Paul of the Cross
(illustration, left), born at Ovada, Italy, January 3, 1694.
From early experiences of mystical prayer and charitable service, Paul
identified the ultimate sign of God's love for the world as the Passion
of Jesus. A forty-day retreat (November 23, 1720 - January 1, 1721),
during which he kept a spiritual diary and composed a first Rule, marks
the birth of his congregation. Initially called 'The Poor of Jesus,'
its mission would be to promote a living 
remembrance
of the Passion as a way to seek personal union with God and to reflect
upon the meaning of human suffering. With others who shared his vision,
Paul pursued this mission through a life structured around prolonged
periods of prayer, solitude, and apostolic service. He unfailingly gave
priority to the apostolate of the word by proclaiming the Gospel of
the Passion, especially to the neglected and the poor.
