Passionist Institute 26-30 June 2006

During the week 26-30 June a group of 54 people - 41 lay and 13 vowed Passionists - gathered in Dromantine in Newry, Co. Down, to attend the first Passionist Institute in this province. A comment from one participant, that "the Institute was a complete mystery to me before I left Paris" reflects a view held by quite a few of us as we started out. By the end of that week the consensus was that the Institute was a remarkable and outstanding week.

Coming from seven different places, we were all there in response to an invitation from the Passionist order, so clearly there was an underlying common link that bonded us to each other: we all shared a Passionist connection. Somehow that bond broke

down the normal barriers of people meeting for the first time. It seemed that at some deep level we 'recognised' each other. Fr.Gary Perrit from Australia, who guided and led us through the week, suggested to us on the first evening that we were not there by accident - that we had been 'called'. The journey we travelled together during that week would for most raise both our awareness of our connection and our calling from a subconscious to a conscious level. With Fr Gary as guide and facilitator, we explored with Fr. Paul Frances the person who was St. Paul of the Cross; and with Fr. Frank we looked at the Passionist spirituality.

The programme for the week was intense and challenging. From breakfast at 8.30 am each morning until 9 pm each evening, each day was filled with talks, time for private reflection, private reading time, Mass, Eucharistic adoration, as well as break out sessions into small groups and a daily open forum session: and not forgetting of course the wonderful meals.

On Tuesday and Wednesday Fr. Paul Frances gave us a look at the life and times of St. Paul of the Cross. The enormous amount of detail and facts presented to us in those two days might have come across as cold hard data in the hands of many presenters, but Paul Frances, through his own obvious enthusiasm and love for his founder, brought us right into the heart of the person of Paul of the Cross. Listening to Paul Frances was hearing someone share the story of a much loved friend and mentor. More than that, Paul Frances wasn't just sharing information: he was sharing his own commitment and inviting us to know and understand that commitment ourselves. The reading material was at times difficult and demanding, but gave us all starting points for those who want to know more. As one participant wrote, "St. Paul of the Cross moved from being a name, a picture in a book or even a statue to being a human being."

Fr. Frank discussed Passionist spirituality with us on the Thursday and Friday. In many ways this was less concrete than the talks of the previous days. Frank put before us what it was that was different about the Passionists compared to other orders; what is at the core of being Passionist; and the meaning of the Passionist symbols. We reflected on how, if we believe we are truly a Passionist, that impacts on the lives we lead. The talks stimulated much personal reflection, which will go beyond our time together. As with Paul Frances, Frank's obvious enthusiasm and understanding of the subject reached out to inspire all of us. The session led by a presentation had a great impact on many participants - it seemed that all that we had heard, read and shared together over the few days had found a concrete 'form'.

Some professed Passionists who attended felt that the Institute was "a time of refreshment and re-connection with (my) Passionist roots" Lay participants talked of having being "inspired" to continue to learn more about St. Paul of the Cross, and having been given the tools to do so; or from a Prestopans participant "The Institute inspired me to try to keep the Passionist charism alive in our parish, even after we lose the Passionist presence" The only regret expressed was the absence of a group from Holy Cross in Ardoyne.

It is worth repeating here some of the comments of Gerard Bennett from our final morning together: "I can't recall being at a Passionist gathering in a long time where I have experienced so much life, energy and enthusiasm. … So often I hear Passionists talk about diminishing numbers, ageing communities,….the Passionists disappearing. I ask you to please stop saying this! If the professed gathered here believe the words of the General Chapter 2000, then all of us could say with joy that the Passionists are alive and well. This gathering is the future of the Passionists. The time has come to stop this talk of dying and of death. Now is the time to talk of, and live the LIFE of the Passionists of this province".

It was a momentous and powerful few days. We have begun the journey. Like a new infant, it will need nurturing and sustenance. Together, lay and professed, let us accept that challenge.

Mary O'Brien