The Cross Still Heals: St. Paul of the Cross

Oct 20

**Who is St. Paul of the Cross? Why did he devote himself to the Cross?**

Today is St. Paul of the Cross' Feast Day!

St. Paul of the Cross (1694–1775) was an Italian mystic, preacher, and founder of the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ, more commonly known as the Passionists. He is most known for his special devotion to the Passion of Jesus. He dedicated his life to helping others encounter God’s love through the Passion of Christ, seeing suffering not as punishment but as an invitation to deeper union with Him.

As a counselor, I’m reminded daily that stress, grief, and pain often become sacred encounters with God for transformation. When we bring our suffering to the Cross, it becomes more than something to endure—it becomes something God can redeem.

"O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!

In our darkest moments, the Passion reminds us:

Love is stronger than pain & Resurrection always follows the Cross.

St. Paul of the Cross, pray for us!

Jacob Frazier, LMHC

Jacob Frazier, LMHC, MA, NCC, is a licensed mental health counselor with Archangel Catholic, trained in DBT, ERP, and EMDR. A Gonzaga graduate, he helps clients integrate faith and strengthen to address depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and relationship challenges, with a special focus on virtue and integration.