Paul of the Cross was born in 1694 in Italy. One day while praying before the Blessed Sacrament, Paul heard the words, “My child, whoever comes close to Me, embraces thorns.” Paul knew that sufferings were coming to him, but he trusted in God, and like Jesus, embraced his sufferings. With patience, persistence and great humility, Paul went on to found the Passionists—an order that spreads devotion to the Passion of Christ. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Saint Paul of the Cross, who trusted God, spread devotion to Christ’s suffering, and worked tirelessly to bring others to Christ.