We are an International Order founded in Manchester, England in 1852 by a young English woman named Elizabeth Prout.

You will find us England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, United States, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Botswana, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea and Bosnia.

Our call is a daily invitation to enter ever more deeply into the mystery of the self emptying of Jesus and his life in the Spirit as we witness to the hope of the resurrection.

In a true spirit of compassion we grow in solidarity with the crucified of the world sharing with them our conviction of the power of the cross. (Constitutions)

Elizabeth Prout

was born in Shrewsbury, England, in 1820. Her parents baptised her in the Anglican Church. In her early twenties she became a Catholic.

Elizabeth moved to Manchester in 1849. There, touched by the misery and deprivation of the poor, she and a few companions came together to form a community to help the voiceless downtrodden workers in the large industrial towns of nineteenth-century England.

The community was directed and helped by two Passionists Father Gaudentius Rossi and Father Ignatius Spencer. The rule was based on that of St. Paul of the Cross, founder of the Passionists. Elizabeth recognised that the Passion of Jesus is the great sign of God’s love reaching out to those in pain.

Now known as Mother Mary Joseph, Elizabeth continued to meet the challenges presented to her in her life of suffering, and to grow in solidarity with the crucified of the world. She died on 11th January 1864 at Sutton, St. Helens, Lancashire. And she lies there today.

The Passionist “Sign”
This is the Passionist “Sign”, the special emblem that expresses the meaning of our life. In the middle of the emblem are the words, “JESU XPI PASSIO”. The words are in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, just as the sign on the cross over Jesus’ head was in three languages. The words mean, “The Passion of Jesus Christ”.

On the top of our emblem is the cross. Remembering the cross means remembering those in the world who bear the cross today: the sick, the disabled, the dying, the grieving, the lonely, the unemployed, the hungry and malnourished – all who bear the burden of pain. Jesus tasted pain and death. But he also tasted the final victory. To proclaim the Passion is to proclaim hope.

At the bottom of our emblem are three nails. The nails remind us of all those who are bound by poverty and the lack of freedom, those pierced by prejudice and unfair laws, those denied education and health care, and those who are victims of unjust wars. To proclaim the Passion is to challenge the world for its injustice and neglect.

Finally, our emblem is shaped like a heart. Jesus died that others might live. The cross becomes the symbol telling us that God’s love is stronger than death. Passionists want to proclaim that love to all of the world.

If you want to know more contact:-

Sister Anne Hammersley at The Briery on 01943 607287