January 5th Passionists celebrate the Feast of Blessed Charles. We are waiting for news of his Canonisation. Hopefully we will have some representatives from the Holy Spirit Province present in Rome for the occasion.
Father Paul Francis C.P. in Glasgow has posted some wonderful resources and information for the feast at Laus Crucis
Paul Francis Danei was born in Ovada at sunrise on 3rd January 1694. He was baptised three days later, on his parents second wedding anniversary.
Father Fabiano Giorgini, C.P. writes, “Paul Danei, who was later known as Paul of the Cross, was born on 3rd January 1694. His birthplace was the town on Ovada, near Alessandria, approximately 590 kilometers or 369 miles north of Rome, Italy. He was the eldest of six children who were to survive out of a family of fifteen. In comparison to the general stature of the people at the time, Paul was tall and had a strong constitution. In spite of attacks of malaria, rheumatism, sciatica, frequent heart palpitations and other illnesses, he lived to almost 82 years of age. He died in Rome on 18th October 1775. (St. Paul of the Cross, Founder of the Passionists, Studies in Passionist History and Spirituality, Rome 1984 , p. 5).
Photo above: the house in Ovada where St. Paul of the Cross was born.
Visit the website of the City of Ovada here
View a series of photos taken recently in our Monastery Garden at Marrickville here
A search of the word ‘Passionist’ at Amazon.com gave me 602 results.
Have a look here
St. Vincent Mary Strambi, C.P., was born on 1st January 1745 at Civitavecchia (Italy). His parents were Giuseppe Strambi and Eleonora Gori. The Strambi family were of Milanese origin, but the father of St. Vincent was born at Refrancore, Province of Alexandria.
Vincent became a Passionist after his priestly ordination against the opposition of his own father. He was a most famous Missionary, Director of Students, first biographer and postulator of the Cause of St. Paul of the Cross. He became the Bishop of Macerata and Tolentine. He suffered exile because of Napoleon and his fidelity to the Holy See. He died in Rome at the Quirinal Palace, then the Papal Household on 1st January 1824 after offering his life for the health of Pope Leo XII who actually recovered. He was beatified by Pope Pius XI on 26th April 1925. He was canonised by Pope Pius XII on 11th June 1950. His body is venerated at the Church of St. Philip in Macerata.
Prayer to St. Vincent Mary Strambi, C.P.
All poweful and ever living God you made your bishop Saint Vincent Mary a devoted shepherd of your flock and a faithful servant of the Church. Strengthen us by his example to love our neighbour and work for justice as members of your Church. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, you Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Passionists celebrate the feast of St. Vincent Strambi on 24th September each year.
