Celebration of the Feast of St. Paul of the Cross
Founder of the Passionists - 18th - 19th October 2002

Report on the General Synod of Passionists in Kwangju House of Meditation, Korea, 2002

The celebration of the Fesat of St. Paul of the Cross began on Friday afternoon 18th october with a talk to the assembled Passionist priests and brothers in Mount Argus. The Provincial, Fr. Martin Coffey C.P., gave a report on the recent Synod of the Congregation. His message was one of great hope.

The first hope was the spread of the Passionists in Eastern Europe, in Africa and in particular in the 'Far East'. New Provinces and Vice-Provinces are been founded as the Passionists increase in numbers with local vocations in India, Indonesia, Philippines, South Korea and Japan. While Passionists in the 'First World' are experiencing decline and old age, in the 'Third World' there is growth and development.

The second hope was the clear analysis that in the 'First World' a few trying to carry the workload that was once carried by the many can lead to being 'too busy' and resultant 'spiritual anaemia'. The Superiors at the Synod made a clear call to all religious to cherish the 'spiritual life'. All were to examine their prayer life and commitment to the mystical tradition of the Congregation. All were asked to put a new effort into continued development of fraternity and community life.

On Saturday morning, 19th October, the day began with the Celebration of the Mass of St. Paul of the Cross at 10.00 a.m.

At 11.00 people who work closely with the Passionists in Mount Argus, The Graan, and Ardoyne gathered for an exploratory meeting in St. Paul's Retreat, Mount Argus. The purpose was to share ideas about forming a Lay Passionist Association. Members would work with the Passionists and promote and develop a lay Passionist Spirituality. The meeting was addressed by Tom Hogan and Mary O'Brien.

Mary shared about how she and her family had close links with the Passionists over many years and felt themselves as part of the Passionist Family. She wondered whether this livind experience could be in some way formalised and articulated in some form of 'Association'. Tom talked about Passionist Spirituality and the Power of the Cross. From the Cross pours God's Love, his Forgiveness and Jesus reaches out to the Suffering in the world. As lay Passionists members could reflect on God's love as experienced from the Cross, learn the true meaning of forgiveness and develop a outreach to the suffering all round them.

The 80 participants agreed to take the ideas home to their friends and explore further the ideas. The results they would bring back to a future meeting. Fr. Martin Coffey C.P. said that in his capacity as Provincial he would assist the groups in every way possible.

All the adjurned to the refectory in Mount Argus for a celebration dinner together - see photos on right panel.

Passionists, both religious and lay, dine together in Mount Argus.
Click on photo to enlarge