Saint Who?
Saints Who Could Read Souls
Saint Paul of the Cross
Priest and founder († 1775) Feast: October 19
“If you correspond to the designs of God, he will make a saint of you. Be generous, and remember that we ought to walk in the footsteps of Jesus crucified.” Paul Francis Danei was born in northern Italy in 1694. His good mother instilled in him a profound devotion to the Passion. As a young man he loved the Blessed Sacrament and was drawn to suffering.
He had many opportunities to choose a comfortable life, but sensed God’s call to something more. He taught catechism and ministered to the young, and his gift for reading hearts helped him bring souls to repentance. Prompted by a vision, he began a congregation whose members would vow to spread devotion to the Passion. Later he was ordained a priest.
He was a compelling preacher on the terrible dangers of sin, and equally compelling on the necessity of confidence in God’s merciful help. And he received abundant help from his guardian angel in changing hearts. According to Paul himself, his angel often preached on his behalf when he felt unable to speak. Paul also prayed for many years for the conversion of England, and years later it was a member of his order—the Passionists—who received Saint John Henry Newman into the Church. He died in 1775, and was canonized in 1867.
Heavenly Father, through the prayers of
Saint Paul of the Cross, grant us hatred of sin
and profound trust in God’s mercy.
