St. Paul of the Cross (1694-1775) holy medal
Memorial is October 19.
The son of Luca Daniel and Anna Maria Daneo; he was the second of sixteen children born to the couple, ten of whom died in infancy. Paolo was baptized at the age of 3 days, and was raised in a pious family; his father, a merchant, was known for his deep faith, and a brother and close uncle were both priests. Paolo was known as a pious child who attended daily Mass, but he wasn’t confirmed until he was 25 years old, a common practice of the time. In 1701 the family moved from Ovada to Castellazo Bormida, and Paolo received his early education at a boy’s school run by a priest in Cremolino, Italy. In 1713 he had what became known as a “conversion” experience, which convinced Paolo that he was called to religious life. He declined an arranged marriage, and when he received an inheritance from a rich uncle, a priest, he kept only the man’s breviary and refused the wealth.
In 1715 he volunteered for the military service in the crusade against the Turks, but his call to religious life led him to return home in 1716. In 1720 he received a series of visions that confirmed his call, including one where he saw himself in what would become the habit of the Passionists. With his bishop’s support, he went on a 40 day retreat and wrote the rule of a potential community, which he called The Poor of Jesus. His brother, Giovanni-Battista, became the second member of the community, and the two moved to Rome, Italy to help found a hospital and seek other members to help them care for the patients and staff.
While there, the Daneo brothers studied theology, and on 7 June 1727 were ordained to the priesthood by Pope Benedict XIII in Saint Peter’s Basilica. The brothers became travelling preachers, leading parish missions around Italy. Father Paul was a preacher of such power that hardened soldiers and bandits were seen to weep at his words. He was known as a great spiritual teacher; over 2,000 of his letters survive, most devoted to spiritual direction.
Due to the ascetic lifestyle of a Passionist, the group attracted few members to begin with, but they were a dedicated lot, spending at least three hours in prayer each day. They established their first Retreat, as Passionist monasteries are known, in 1737 on Monte Argentario on the west coast of Italy. Pope Benedict XIV approved the Passionist Rule on 15 May 1741; Pope Clement XIV approved the congregation in 1769. Father Paul reluctantly served as the congregation’s first superior-general, and by the time of his death there were 12 Retreats and 180 members. The Passionist fathers, brothers and sisters continue their good work around the world today. (info from CatholicSaints.Info » Blog Archive » Saint Paul of the Cross)
- God's Hunter of Souls, Catholic saint, Passionist founder.
These medals are great on necklaces, bracelets, rosaries, pins or whatever else you had in mind. They all come with an open jump ring so you can attach it to your necklace.
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Holy Medal Chains - 18", 24", 30" chains, stainless steel, aluminum, c – chillypumpkinholymedals
All medals and crucifixes are silver oxide (unless noted otherwise), which is a silver plated zinc alloy. **For the longest shine, you may want to coat your silver oxide medals with a clear coat of clear nail polish. The thin coating of silver oxide will eventually wear off.** They are quality Italian made, and the medals are approx. 1 inch tall and 5/8 inch wide.
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