THE SPIRITUAL DIARY

OF

ST. PAUL OF THE CROSS

Translation, Introduction and Notes by Reverend Silvan Rouse C.P. Preface by Rev. Stanislaus Breton C.P.

INTRODUCTION

Origins of the Diary

Authenticity of the Diary

History of the Manuscript

Editions

Translations

Style

Overview of the Diary

Relevance

PREFACE by Rev. Stanislaus Breton C.P.

TEXT OF THE SPIRITUAL DIARY With notes and Commentary

INTRODUCTION

The Second Vatican Council strongly encouraged religious communities to return to the original inspiration of their founders.1 For this reason we are presenting a new translation of a spiritual classic2 written by St. Paul of the Cross, Founder of the . This important and beautiful document of mystical literature – his SPIRITUAL DIARY – was written by Paul of the Cross when he was twenty-seven years old and had already arrived at a profound spiritual maturity.

In this Diary we discover the beginnings of Paulacrucian spirituality, enfleshed in a man of deep spiritual awareness. Within the same period when Paul wrote his Diary, he also composed the First Rule of the Passionists.

The SPIRITUAL DIARY contains a day-by-day account of his inner experiences during his forty-day Retreat. The core elements of his spirituality are all to be found in it. Father Zoffoli rightfully refers to the Diary as the most authoritative document of the spirituality of St, Paul of the Cross and the basis of every possible interpretation of his mysticism.3

We shall include the following material in this Introduction: Origin of the Diary; Authenticity of Diary; History of Manuscripts; Editions; Translations; Style of Diary; Overview of its Content and its Relevance. After the Introduction, there is a Preface by Reverend Stanislaus Breton C.P. The translation of the Diary follows and it is based on the most recent critical edition by Father Enrico Zoffoli C.P., to whom we are deeply indebted for this excellent edition and for his many helpful insights.4 We have included some notes within the text which may be of help in reading the Diary.

Origin of Diary

Grace touched the spirit of Paul Danei in a special way when he was twenty years old. Paul refers to this experience as “conversion”. He led an extraordinarily exemplary life and experienced an intense period of mystical graces. Prior to the forty-day retreat, Paul had already been gifted with ecstatic union.

Bishop Francis M. Arborio di Gattinara, Ordinary of Alessandria, recognized the character of Paul’s vocation and vested him with the habit of penance on November 22, 1720. Under the authorization of the Bishop, Paul withdrew into a damp, narrow room adjacent to the sacristy of the Church of Sts. Charles and Anna in Castellazzo. He remained there from November 23, 1720, until January 1, 1721. During that time, Paul fasted on bread and water and slept on vine branches. Every night he arose for Matins and prayer and spent about three hours with the Lord. Each morning he served Mass and received Communion. With dedicated care, he swept the Church and cleaned the altars. Throughout the day he spent hours before the Blessed Sacrament, seeking wisdom from the wounds of Jesus. In response to the Bishop’s request, he wrote down “all the lights which the Lord communicated to him at that time.”5

No reason is given in the sources for the choice of a forty-day period. However, we can suppose some relationship existed in Paul’s mind with Christ’s forty-day sojourn in the desert before his public ministry (Mt. 4:2). The story of Moses (Ex. 24: I2-18), of the Ninevites (Jn. 3) and of Elijah (I K 19:6-8) might also have come to mind.

These forty days will intensify the purification of Paul’s spirit through the mysterious participation in the Passion of Christ. As Paul is immersed in the contemplation of Jesus Crucif