Paul brought this inspiration to his bishop, who recognized its divine origin. On November 22, 1720, the bishop vested him in the habit revealed in the vision. Thus began the work that would eventually become the Congregation of the Passion, commonly known as the Passionists. Their emblem, the Sacred Heart of Jesus surmounted by a cross, expresses their devotion to the love of Christ made manifest in His suffering and death.
For approximately fifty years, St. Paul traveled throughout Italy, preaching missions and directing the faithful to meditate upon Jesus crucified. He understood that the Passion was not merely an event of the past, but the supreme revelation of God's love for sinners. Although God gave him extraordinary spiritual gifts, Paul remained profoundly humble, regarding himself as an unworthy servant in need of divine mercy. His life of prayer, penance, and tireless preaching bore abundant spiritual fruit.
St. Paul died in Rome in 1775, at the age of eighty-one, and was canonized by Pope Pius IX in 1867. The Passionists continue his mission today. Among their notable members was Blessed Dominic Barberi, remembered for receiving St. John Henry Newman into full communion with the Catholic Church.
May the Priest Saint Paul, whose only love was the Cross, obtain for us thy grace, O Lord: so that, urged on more strongly by his example, we may each embrace our own cross with courage; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.