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  October 15, 2008
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Passionists in America 1852 - 1952

Some time ago the Passionist Historical Archives came across a historical time line. It was compiled in 1952 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Passionists in the United States. It is reprinted below. Please pay special attention to the following information regarding dates:

1. The archives staff has done its best to verify the historical accuracy of the data.
2. The dates used in the 1952 timeline conflict with the dates used in the summaries you will find of the various foundations here on this website.
   • The reason for this is that the dates used in the Summaries are from the Sesquicentennial Passionist celebration book produced in 2002. A footnote in that book says: "The year indicated with each location is the year Passionists moved to the location with the intention of beginning a foundation. Canonical status or the dedication of buildings usually came later."
   • As a result, many of the 1952 timeline dates reflect the last point: Canonical staus or dedication of a building or notation of an important event.

Please contact the archives with any commments on this timeline or other information on Passionist history. We hope this is of interest to those who study the Passionist story.

• 1852
  • Passionists invited to the United States by Michael O'Connor Bishop of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Commissioned by Father Anthony [Testa] of St. James, Passionist Superior General.
  • Centennial of Congregation & Beatification of St. Paul of the Cross, Pittsburgh.
  • 1st band of Passionists arrive from Italy: Fathers Anthony Calandri, C.P. founder; Albinus Magno, C.P, Stanislaus Parczyk, C.P. and Brother Lawrence DiGiacomo, C.P.
• 1853:
  • 1st Monastery begun, St. Paul of the Cross, Pittsburgh, on land donated by Bishop O'Connor. The Anti-Catholic "Know-Nothing" Party threatened to destroy Monastery & building.
  • First Passionist parish in U.S.A., St. Michael's, Pittsburgh. Father Stanislaus Parczyk, C.P. becomes pastor the parish which had been established in 1848.
• 1854:
  • Pittsburgh Monastery completed & dedicated - with public chapel. First Rector of St. Paul's is Father Luke Baudinelli, C.P. First Passionist Master of Novices, Father Anthony Calandri, C.P.
  • Father John Dominic Tarlattini, C.P. appointed "Commissary General" (Representative of the Superior General in the new foundation. He takes over as superior at St. Paul's, Pittsburgh.
• 1855:
  • First Passionist professed in the U. S.
  • First Layman's Retreat (Private) by Father Gaudentius Rossi, C.P. Monastery in Pittsburgh.
• 1856:
  • First Priests' Retreat to Clergy of Pittsburgh Diocese by Father Gaudentius Rossi, C.P. at Monastery.
  • Pittsburgh Diocesan Synod held in Monastery in Pittsburgh.
  • First Passionist students from U.S. sent to Rome.
• 1857: First Passionist Mission, Pittsburgh Cathedral by Fathers Gaudentius Rossi, C.P. and Anthony Calandri, C.P. January 1-11. Father Albinus Magno, C.P. assists in the confessional during the last 4 days.
• 1860: First Passionist ordained in U.S. - Father Andrew McGurgan, C.P. in Pittsburgh.
• 1862: Dunkirk, NY St. Mary's Monastery - Dedicated by Father Albinus Magno, C.P. in the absence of Bishop Timon of Buffalo, New York.
• 1863:
  • Province of St. Paul of the Cross created by 21st General Chapter. Father Peter Paul Caivo, C.P. is the Superior General. First Provincial - Father John Dominic Tarlattini, C.P. ; Consultors - Fathers Gaudentius Rossi, C.P. & Anthony Calandri, C.P.
  • First Provincial Chapter, Pittsburgh Provincial Father John Dominic Tarlattini, C.P. presiding. Fathers 10 years professed given vote. Eleven present at Chapter. First Chapter pledged loyalty to Country; prayers for peace; became citizens.
  • California & Nevada - Foundations later abandoned.
• 1864:
  • Union City, N.J. (West Hoboken) St. Michael's Monastery dedication by Bishop Bayley of Newark, New Jersey.
  • First Passionist Non-Catholic Mission - St. Joseph's, Chambers Street, Boston, by Father Gaudentius Rossi, C.P. (pg 140 note in Compelled to Speak. A book written by Father Cassian Yuhaus, C.P.)
• 1866:
  • Second Plenary Council of Baltimore urges preaching Parish Missions, adopting St.. Paul of the Cross Rule: "Prayer, study at home; zeal, edification abroad."
  • Mexico City - Founded from Pittsburgh. Father John Dominic Tarlattini, C.P. installed as canonical superior.
• 1867: St. Paul of the Cross canonized by Pius IX.
• 1868: Baltimore, MD St. Joseph's Monastery founded during time of Archbishop James Gibbons.
• 1873: Cincinnati, OH Holy Cross Monastery founded during the time of Archbishop Purcell.
• 1875: Centennial of St. Paul's Death - Centenary Declaration of Independence.
• 1877: Silver Jubilee of Passionists in U.S.
• 1878: Father Fidelis Kent Stone, C.P., famous convert, gives Mission at the Baltimore Cathedral. President Arthur, Members of Cabinet & Supreme Court attend.
• 1880: Louisville, KY Sacred Heart Monastery founded during the time of Bishop McCloskey.

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