Paul was the son of a family of merchants. When he was 19-years-old, he decided to join the military, but left a year later and had a spiritual experience that led Paul to begin a new religious order. In the beginning he felt confused and went to the bishop, who after investigating, believed they were real and encouraged Paul to respond to his calling.  After a period of prayer and penitence, Paul wrote the rule for the Passionist friars that was approved by Pope Clement XIV in 1730. In addition to the three vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, the Passionists make a vow of devotion to the Passion of Christ.

When you consider the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ, what feelings or callings do you have? How could you respond?