Main Stream: Passionists

The charism of the Passionists is centered on preserving and proclaiming the memory of the Passion of Jesus Christ as the deepest expression of God’s love for humanity. Passionists bind themselves by a special vow to keep the Passion of Christ always alive in their hearts and to share its meaning with others. Their contemplative prayer, community life, and apostolate flow from this focus, drawing the faithful into deeper reflection on Christ’s suffering and resurrection and inspiring compassionate ministry to those who suffer.

The Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ, commonly known as the Passionists, was founded in 1720 by St. Paul of the Cross (Paolo Francesco Danei) in Castellazzo, Italy. Beginning with a small group of companions committed to a life of prayer and preaching, the order was established to foster devotion to the Passion of Christ and to preach the Gospel with a particular emphasis on Christ crucified. Pope Benedict XIII granted permission to form the community in 1725, and in 1741 the order was officially recognized with its distinctive habit and emblem bearing the Passionist sign — “Jesu XPI Passio.” Over the centuries the Passionists grew into a worldwide congregation present in more than 60 countries, carrying out retreats, missions, parish work, and spiritual ministry rooted in their founder’s vision.

East Africa: passionistvocations@yahoo.com Worldwide: vocationdirector@passionist.org (use to ask for local/regional vocation contacts or be directed to a Passionist community closest to you)