Answer: The Passionists, formally known as the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ, are a Catholic clerical religious congregation of Pontifical Right for men founded by St Paul of the Cross in 1720 with a special emphasis on devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ. In 1769, Clement XIV granted full rights to the Passionists as enjoyed by the other religious institutes, making them not an order but a congregation. The congregation historically has had two primary goals: missionary work and contemplative life, with an attempt to blend the two.

According to St Paul of the Cross, they were founded in order to "teach people how to pray", which they do through activities such as retreats and missions, spiritual direction, and prayer groups. Today, they often assist local churches in pastoral works, including saying masses, hearing confessions, and visiting the sick.


Emblem of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Sewn on the Attire of the Passionists

CLICK HERE to view more interesting facts on
'A Brief History of the Passionists, from St Paul of the Cross to Today'
by Martin Newell
on Passionists.org.uk.


Congregation of Passionists
Celebrating 300 Years
1773 (2021)