The Passionists

The Congregation of the Passion, commonly called the Passionists, is a worldwide religious community of men in the Roman Catholic Church.

Founded by St. Paul of the Cross in Italy in 1720, Passionist priests and brothers now serve in over fifty nations around the world.  They are preachers, scholars, retreat directors, pastors, chaplains, teachers, artists, writers and musicians.  They minister in many archdioceses and dioceses of the United States including the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Georgia, where they serve as pastors to the predominately African-American and Hispanic parishioners of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church.

The motto of the Passionist Community is May the Passion of Jesus Christ be always in our hearts.  St. Paul wanted his followers to remind people of the love of God that flows from the passion and death of his Son Jesus.  Passionists take a special vow to promote devotion to the passion of Christ through their preaching and various other ministries.  Many Passionists serve among the poor and marginalized today in whom they see as the world's crucified.

Many people including cloistered and active women religious share in the spirituality of St. Paul of the Cross today.  A growing number of lay organizations such as the Passionist Associates also draw their inspiration from writings and preaching of St. Paul of the Cross.