(1694-1775) Paolo Danei was born to a devout Catholic family in northern Italy, and as a child, he spent a lot of time in prayer, frequented the sacraments, and was devoted to the Blessed Sacrament. As a young man, Paul was inspired by a vision to found an order with an emphasis on Christ’s passion. His younger brother joined him, and they moved to Rome, became priests, and grew the order. The Passionist Rule finally received papal approval when Paul was 47, and the congregation was fully approved 28 years later.
The passion and crucifixion of Jesus are the most complete demonstrations of self-giving love. In recovery, we work to overcome our selfishness. The greatest school of selflessness is the Cross.
“When you are alone in your room, take your crucifix, kiss its five wounds reverently, tell it to preach to you a little sermon, and then listen to the words of eternal life that it speaks to your heart; listen to the pleading of the thorns, the nails, the precious Blood. Oh, what an eloquent Sermon!” (Saint Paul of the Cross)
Reflection by Brad Farmer