Paul of the Cross, Saint (1694-1775), founded the Passionist Order, or the Congregation of the Discalced Clerks of the Most Holy Cross and Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul, an Italian priest, had a vision urging him to establish a new religious order, and in 1720 he founded the Passionists. The order grew rapidly and now works throughout the world. The Passionists practice strict poverty. Paul was born in Ovada, Italy. He was canonized (proclaimed a saint) in 1867 by Pope Pius IX.
