Inspired by a sermon on Christ's Passion, Paul dedicated himself to a life of prayer and self-discipline. He envisioned himself clothed in a simple black habit and a cross, a symbol of the Passion he wished to embrace and share. Paul spent forty days in solitude, praying and writing the rule of life for a new religious community dedicated to the Passion of Christ. He gathered companions, including his own brother, and they began to preach the message of God's love revealed through Christ's suffering. The Congregation of the Passion, known as the Passionists, was eventually approved by the Church. They dedicated themselves to preaching to the poor, embodying Christ's compassion, and adding a fourth vow to spread the memory of the Passion. The preaching of Paul of the Cross, as he became known, was powerful and had the ability to touch hearts, often moving people to tears of repentance. He also ministered to the neglected, extending his compassion and care to the sick and the marginalized.