St. Paul of the Cross, the First Passionist, encouraged and invited his followers to place Christ Crucified at the centre of their lives. Here, in his own words, is his advice.

Christ Crucified

" Therefore, let us never forget to be constantly and sorrowfully mindful of him (Jesus in his sufferings)". (Words on his death bed)

"Come, let us have courage and never let the sorrowful remembrance of Jesus' pains depart from our hearts" (St. Paul of the Cross letter 5)

'May the most holy cross of Jesus, our Good, be always planted in the midst of our hearts so that our spirit may be grafted into this Tree of Life." (St. Paul of the Cross letter 24)

How does one keep close to Christ Crucified?

'Let no day pass without making mental prayer for half-hour, or at least a quarter of an hour, on the sorowful Passion of our Redeemer. If you can, make more, but at least never neglect giving this much time.' (St. Paul of the Cross letter 12)

'I tell you that it is a most excellent and holy thing to think of the Passion of the Lord and to make your prayer on it. This is the way to attain to holy union with God. ... for in this holy school true wisdom is learned. That is where the saints and others learned.'
(St. Paul of the Cross letter 39)

'May Jesus be the sole object of our hearts and our desires'. (St. Paul of the Cross letter 32)

Closeness to Christ Crucified leads to action-

'Love one another, love one another, my dearest brothers and sisters. Remember you will never please God if you do not love one another. Let there be never any dissension among you, and, if any sharp words should pass among you, be quiet at once and do not keep on talking.' (St. Paul of the Cross letter 12)

I simply say that by accommodating yourself to others you will be able to perform acts of great virtue in this way.' (St. Paul of the Cross letter 13)

'I must first tell you that to draw greater fruit from Our Lord's teaching, you must listen to the Word of God, either oral or written, as if Jesus Christ himself was speaking to you.' (St. Paul of the Cross letter 39)

'In order to please God, eat, drink, and sleep as your state requires. Abandon yourself completely to his Holy Will and leave to him the care of everything. However, diligently perform the duties of your state. Bury all anxiety, worry, etc., in the dear Will of God.'
(St. Paul of the Cross letter 39)