Meeting of Lay Passionist Association
St. Paul of the Cross wanted to make available to the laity a means of sharing in the life, spirit and mission of the Passionist family. One way he did this was through the Confraternity of the Sacred Passion. Through contemplation of the Passion, laymen and laywomen could share fully in the spirit and apostolate of the Congregation as Lay Passionists. Down the years apart from the men's and women's confraternities, many laity have been associated with the Passionists through parish ministry, mission and retreat ministry and through Passionist African Missions (P.A.M.), which provided financial assistance for our foreign missions and others.
For
some time it was apparent that some renewal for lay associates was necessary.
During September 2002 two interested lay persons, Mary O'Brien and Tom
Hogan were asked by Martin Coffey C.P. the provincial to explore with
representatives from our five communities in Ireland, new ways of sharing
in the life and mission of the Passionist community. Preparations were
made and a programme was drawn up to look at practical ways of collaborating
more fully with the Passionists and especially to explore appropriate
ways of living the Passionist spirituality in their daily lives. The focus
was to be on the interests, needs, hopes and desires of our associates.
The first meeting in Mount Argus on Saturday, 19th October 02 marked the beginning of something new and signalled the belief that Passionist Spirituality had something very important to give. About twenty (20) associates from PAM and from each of our communities in Ardoyne, The Graan and Mount Argus attended the meeting. The programme began with a tea/coffee welcome at 11 am.
Then
after an opening prayer both Mary O'Brien and Tom Hogan gave short inputs,
in the Conference Room, outlining the goals and spirituality of the Lay
Association.
They shared how association with the Passionists strengthened their own
Christian faith and commitment. Because of her continued contact with
the Passionists, Mary shared that her own life experience and lifestyle
was Passion-guided and Passionist influenced. From childhood and now as
an adult with her own family she worshipped and celebrated in Mount Argus.
Passionist understanding is part of what she is. She presumed that all
attending had some Passionist spirit in common, which bound them with
a single thread to the larger family. For her that bond or identity was
'Lay Passionist'. She admitted that she was prepared to stand up and say
'I am Passionist'. She hoped that the meeting might formally establish
Lay Passionists or Lay Associates in St. Patrick's Province.
Tom
Hogan's input was on the guiding principle of all Passionists - to preach
Christ Crucified. This involves, he said, living the Passionist spirituality
in our daily lives. It is a knowing and celebrating the love of God, expressed
in the suffering Christ, the Crucified Christ, in ourselves, with those
around us and especially in the wider suffering community, the 'crucified'
of today. This is not meant to be a burden but something 'uplifting'
Lord by your Cross and resurrection you have set us free.
Two
questions were then posed for discussion in small local groups.
1. Am I ready, willing and able to deepen my commitment to the Passionists?
2. Am I prepared to get involved in putting 'Lay Passionists' in place
in my community?
There was good feedback but a general consensus that there was need for guidance and a structure to develop Passionist spirituality. Some although deeply involved with the Passionists had not previously thought of calling themselves Passionists. The groups wanted to bring the values of the Cross into their lives and many expressed the desire to continue to find concrete ways of committing themselves to the Passionist community and mission. This would probably take different forms in different places.
Each local group agreed to meet within a month and send a report to the Provincial Office. A further national meeting will be held during Lent 2003.
After the meeting the sixty associates joined the Mt. Argus community for a festive meal in honour of our Founder, St. Paul of the Cross. (pictures over)
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
Click to enlarge
