The Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ, also known as the Passionists, is a Roman Catholic religious congregation founded by St. Paul of the Cross in 1720 in Italy. St. Paul of the Cross (1694-1775) had a vision of spreading devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ. He founded the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus in 1720, with the first community established in Monte Argentario, Italy. The congregation’s early focus was on preaching, retreats, and promoting devotion to the Passion.

The Passionists expanded rapidly in Italy and beyond, establishing missions, retreat centers, and parishes. They became known for their preaching, spiritual direction, and devotion to the passion. The Passionist’s mission is to keep alive the passion of Jesus Christ by promoting deeper understanding of God’s love and mercy. Their charism emphasizes preaching and evangelization, retreats and spiritual direction, devotion to the Passion and Crucifixion of Jesus, simple and austere lifestyle.

Today the Passionists are present in over 60 countries, with a strong presence in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. They continue to preach, teach and promote devotion to the Passion, adapting to local needs and cultures.

The Passionists first arrived in the Philippines in the year 1958 headed by 9 American Passionist Missionaries. A total of 58 Missionary Passionist priests and 4 brothers came to the Philippines from 1958 to 1986. Upon their arrival, they took over the administration of 9 existing parishes in South Cotabato and Sarangani. When Marbel (Koronadal City) was created as Prelature Nullius, Fr. Quentin Olwell, CP was elected as the first Bishop followed by another Passionist, Fr. Reginald Arliss, CP. Since then, the Passionist presence in the Philippines grew bigger, with the help of our ever-supportive benefactors.

Today the Passionist in the Philippines can be found mostly in the provinces of Luzon and Mindanao. They have been entrusted with 5 parishes in Luzon and 3 parishes in General Santos City. Moreover, the bulk of pastoral and missionary works of the congregation are situated in the provinces of Mindanao. They have been working tirelessly in serving the people in the provinces of South Cotabato, Sarangani and Davao del Sur. They take care of around 60 mission centers inhabited by (Indigenous Peoples) T’boli, B’laan and Manobo. They have established and currently administering 4 elementary mission schools for the indigenous peoples in those remote areas. The 4 mission schools usually have a qpopulation of 800-1000 pupils.

In line with our 6 decades of presence in the Philippines we believe that we can do more by partnering with Spring Rain Global, Inc. In November 2018, with their guidance, we have installed and launched the PPDO (Passionist Philanthropic Development Office) and its 9 advocacies namely; (1) Formation and Vocation (2) Education and Scholarship (3) Human Resource and Development (4) Health Care and Retirement (5) Infrastructure and Community Development (6) Mission Abroad (7) Catholic Mission to the Indigenous People (8) Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation (9) Pastoral and Social Services. These 9 advocacies have become significant for they also call into mind the 9 pioneering Passionist priests who came in 1958 to administer the 9 parishes in South Cotabato.

In March 19 2025, the PPDO (Passionist Philanthropic Development Office) became PPDFI (Passionist Philanthropic Development Foundation, Inc.) with SEC (Securities and Exchange
Commission) company registration number 202503194087-05.

PC – JPIC Phils., Inc. is an established ministry of the congregation that promotes a culture of peace and just society, defend the wholeness of God’s creation and address different social concerns.

One’s vocation does not end in ordination or profession. It is, for us, a new beginning where we continue to develop and ground our vocation through further studies, continuous updating and renewal program.

With at least years in formation, seminarians are trained not only for priesthood but also in preparation for a life committed to religious vows: POVERTY, CHASTITY, OBEDIENCE and promotion of Memorials Passionists.

To cater the needs of less fortunate students, we established schools that offer quality education and also train our young ones to a meaningful life towards God through the Passionist charism.

The Passionist have always been a missionary and evangelizer, We reach out to all walks of life especially to spiritually poor people across nations of different culture, race language and beliefs.

The Passionist PDFI is the fundraising arm of the congregation that helps sustain our life and ministries. This Foundation identifies the programs for each advocacy and partners with prospect donors who can help.

To carry out our mission effectively, adequate abd quality amenities are needed to respond to the demands of our time. We aim to construct churches, schools, retreat and formation houses to cater groups and individuals.

Having been with the IP’s in our ministries, the Passionist fathers have seen how they struggle for life’s essentials, such as, education, healthcare, livelihood, and even spirituality.

The mortality of our priest due to sickness is alarming. We need to recalibrated and fund well our health care and care for the elderly program to ensure stability and longevity in serving the people of God.

This advocacy includes our retreat ministry, feeding programs, counselling, parish apostolates, dental and medical mission, prison ministry, and response to calamity and disasters.