After receiving a vision, and while still a layman, he founded the Congregation of Discalced Clerks of the Most Holy Cross and Passion (Passionists) in 1721 to preach about Jesus Crucified. Preacher of such power that hardened soldiers and bandits were seen to weep. At one point all the brothers in the Order deserted him, but in 1741 his rule was approved by Pope Benedict XIV, and the community began to grow again.