Synod
of the Congregation Korea 2002
From the forthcoming report to the Province
by Fr. Martin Coffey C.P. - Provincial
I returned home buoyed up by the experience of the Synod in Korea. There was a new energy and enthusiasm coming from the young provinces and the sense that we are entering a new era of 'refounding' was palpable. The young Asian Passionists are very impressive. Three new provinces have been established in two years - Portugal, Philippines, South Korea. Soon Indonesia, India and Congo will be Vice-Provinces. There are new missions in China, Ukraine, the Chech Republic. We are preparing to go to Vietnam and other places. There is a lot of vitality and expansion in the Congregation at this time.
The Synod itself was launched, with the words of Jesus to the disciples, 'Put out into the deep.' It called on the whole congregation to engage energetically with the need for life-long formation at an individual and community level. The centrality of the Memoria Passionis was also affirmed. It was a very positive experience.
The emerging parts of the Congregation were strong in affirming that young people respond to communities where they see the charism being lived with clarity and strength. This means communities where prayer is valued and cultivated and where the members are deeply committed and motivated by the Passion of Christ to work with and for the people.
All of this is God's gift. Only God can re-form and re-shape us according to the form of Christ crucified. However, we acknowledge the need to predispose ourselves to welcome God's gift and to co-operate with his work in us.
May
the Gift that Christmas is Bless you with peace and love. Nollaig Shona
agus beannachtaí na haithbhliana chugaibh go léir
Martin Coffey C.P.
December 2002 - Index
Synod of Congregation in Korea
Meeting Lay Passionist Association
St. Paul of the Cross - Man of Prayer by Fr. Frank Keevins
First meeting of Former Passionists
Senior/Retired Religious Initiative
Obituary:
Bro. Malachy Daly C.P. 1916-2002
Fr. Patrick Wilson C.P. 1907-2002
Fr. Celestine Butterly C.P. 1916-2002