Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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PASSIONISTS

Members of the Congregation of Discalced Clerics of the Most Holy Cross and Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, founded at Monte Argentaro in Tuscany in 1737 by St. Paul of the Cross (1694-1775). The rule was definitely approved in 1769 by Pope Clement XIV, who conferred many privileges of the old orders on the new congregation. Passionists emphasize contemplation as the basis if their apostolic work, and take a fourth vow to promote devotion to the Passion of Christ. Their traditional apostolates are preaching missions and giving retreats. Passionist nuns, totally distinct from the clerical society, were founded as strict contemplatives.