Paul of the Cross' Spirituality

"...Let no day pass without making mental prayer for a half-hour, or at least a quarter of an hour, on the sorrowful Passion of the Redeemer. If you can, make more, but at least never neglect giving this much time..."

Paul of the Cross to marchioness Danna Marianna Della Scala Del Pozzo
10th letter on January 3, 1729 in Vol. 1 on Page 62

"...I tell you that it is a most excellent and holy thing to think of the Passion of the Lord and to make your (mental) prayer on it. This is the way to attain to holy union with God. But you should realize that the soul cannot always do as in the beginning, and that you must go along with the impulses of the Holy Spirit and let yourself be guided as His Divine Majesty wills. You tell me that you do not know how to make prayer except on the Life, Passion, and Death of our Savior. Continue this way with the blessing of the Lord, for in this holy school true wisdom is learned..."

Paul of the Cross to Agnes Grazi
7th letter on December 16, 1733 in Vol. 1 on Page 89

"...If, while saying these vocal prayers, you feel drawn toward mental prayer with a profound recollection, leave off the vocal prayer and follow the mental. Afterward, continue the vocal prayers. Give each their time. Recite your prayers without hurrying, gently with your spirit in God. For now, I cannot come to Orbetello. Pray for me and God bless you..."

Paul of the Cross to Signora Laura Giannotti
79th letter on March 19, 1734 in Vol. 1 on Page 93

"...give yourself to the exercise of holy mental prayer and meditate, especially on the Passion of Jesus Christ and the Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Arouse your spirit frequently with ejaculatory prayer. In faith keep yourself in the Presence of God..."

Paul of the Cross to Agnes Grazi
15th letter on October 28, 1734 in Vol. 1 on Page 102

"...On my arrival from the holy mission, I received your welcome letter. I thank God that he grants you a part in the great treasure of the holy cross by insults, etc. Hold them exceedingly dear. Regarding the prayer you make on awakening and rising, continue that way, for it is going well. But when you feel drawn to a repose in God, lose yourself in the Immense Good. Leave off vocal prayer for mental prayer...."

Paul's Charism