cover nat 2 dec - Passiochristi.org · Province by 2015. Each General Vicariate will be assisted to...

Passionists, Province of St. Patrick – Newsletter

Blessings and Joy To all this Christmas

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Contents

From the Provincial

Fr. Pat p. 2

New Painting – Crossgar p.6

News: Mount Argus . p.10

News: Paris Diary p. 11

News: St. Mungo’s p.13

News: Jim Feehan P.13

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From the Provincial

Fr. Pat Duffy C.P.

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Dear Companions,

Another year draws to a close, the season of Advent has opened the Church’s New

Year, and Christmas seems very close with all the reminders of lights, trees and

decorations surrounding us.

Every year has its own story to tell and as we look back over the year, we see the

unique story of our Province and Vicariate with its losses, joys and hopes for the future.

Deaths

We experienced the loss of Mark, Anthony and Marius during the year. They made

their contribution to the life of the Province and the Church over the years, may they

now rest in peace.

Formation and Vocations

Early in the year on the recommendation of the Formation Commission, a residence in

rented accommodation was opened in Ealing, London, the community being Tom

Scanlon Jim Sweeney and our two students, Gareth Thomas and Frank Trias.

In September we celebrated the joyful occasion of Gareth’s Final Profession and on

Sunday, the 22nd December at the 12.00 noon Mass in St. Mungo’s, Gareth will be

ordained a Deacon by Archbishop Tartaglia of Glasgow. Gareth extends an invitation to

the Province to attend.

Frank continues in temporary vows, our condolences to Frank and his family on the

recent death of his father.

Recently at a Vocations Weekend organized by Paul Francis and his support group in

Tobar Mhuire, there were nine young men present who are interested in learning more

about our life.

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From the Provincial

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The Vicariate

The MATAF Congress was held in South Africa in June. Emmanuel Kabinga was

elected Regional Vicar, Diedricks Selemela, First Consultor and Obrien Chanda,

Second Consultor.

Every Congress is important but this Congress had a special significance in the

light of the decision the 46th General Chapter that MATAF will be part of the

Configuration of Africa (CPA).

The decree of the General Chapter stated that the determination as to whether

MATAF would be a General Vicariate or a Vice Province would be made by the

General with the consent of his Council having heard the opinion of MATAF.

“The opinion of the MATAF Congress was that the Province Vicariate would

become a Vice Province.” A decision taken at the Congress was that, “The

Vicariate committed itself to become a Vice Province in the CPA.”

The news from the General Council meeting in October 2013 made it clear that

each of the three Province Vicariates in CPA must become General Vicariates in

2013. Stage two, in 2013-2015, would be when the three entities work with the

Trilateral Commissions (for MATAF: Michael Ogweno, General Consultor, Bright

Tembo, Vicariate and Arthur McCann, Province) to achieve autonomy and to

move to the status of a Vice Province.

At the extended leadership meeting of the Province on the 13th November 2013,

in Tobar Mhuire, there was widespread support for the steps being taken in this

movement towards Vice Province status. Acknowledgement was expressed that

this was the opinion of the Vicariate and of its commitment. Assurance was

given, and has been communicated, of our continued support to the men in

Botswana, South Africa and Zambia as they make this historic transition.

In the November communication from the General Council the latest news is

that “ Following the decree of the 46th General Chapter, Fr. General with the

consent of his Council has determined that the Vicariates of St. Charles Lwanga

(CARLW) Kenya, St. Gemma (GEMM) Tanzania, and Mother of Africa (MATAF)

South Africa, Botswana and Zambia will be General Vicariates.

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From the Provincial

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The three General Vicariates are working towards achieving the status of Vice

Province by 2015. Each General Vicariate will be assisted to achieve the

necessary autonomy to become a Vice Province by means of the Trilateral

Commissions represented by the General Council, the Former Mother

Provinces, and the Vicariates.”

I received a letter dated the 8th December from Fr. Joachim, Superior General,

informing me that the Regional Vicariate of Our Lady Mother Of Africa will have

the status of a General Vicariate from the 15th December 2013.This is a historic

moment in the life of the Vicariate and the Province. It is a tribute to the men

from the Province who ministered in Africa over the years, the men from the

various countries in the Vicariate and the PAM volunteers and all who have

supported the mission in Africa.

Configuration of Charles Houben (CCH - North Europe)

The Provincials of the Configuration of Charles Houben (CCH) to which we

belong had an extraordinary meeting in Haastrecht, Netherlands in November

to share and explore further our being a Configuration together at the end of

the meeting we agreed the following:

Statement on Shared Vocation Ministry

The Provincials of the Configuration of Charles Houben, present at their

extraordinary meeting in Haastrecht, The Netherlands, from the 18-20

November 2013, in a spirit of solidarity and in accordance with No. 6 of the

priorities of the 46th General Chapter, ‘Passionists and Youth, Together in Life

and Mission” and with particular emphasis on the first action step, “To develop

vocational ministry for youth in our Configurations as a way of promoting in

young people their own encounter with Jesus and helping them to respond to

their own vocation as religious or laity”, decided that promotion of vocations

would be a shared priority for the Configuration. We recognize the gift and call

of each one, according to his circumstances, “To keep alive the memory of the

Passion of Jesus”. Whether advanced in age or involved in active ministry we

encourage support for those appointed to Vocation Promotion Ministry by

prayer, words and deeds. We accept the diversity of culture and ministry, and

the shared challenges that face us in our Provinces at this time in our history.

We respect diversity and at the same time we wish to engage together, through

inter-province contacts, in developing strategies to promote vocations wherever

possible in the Configuration for the good of the Congregation and its mission in

Northern Europe.

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From the Provincial

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Advent

As we look back over the events of the past year on the threshold of a new year

in this time of Advent, Pope Francis reminds us that Advent “returns us to the

horizon of hope, a hope that does not disappoint because it is founded on the

Word of God.” He speaks of, “The time of Advent that the Church celebrates in

preparation for Christmas as a new journey of the People of God with Jesus

Christ, our Shepherd who guides us in history towards the completion of the

Kingdom of God.”

His words remind me of that wonderful reading in the breviary (Advent

Wednesday week 1) from the sermon of St. Bernard where he speaks of a

threefold coming of the Lord, “In brief, his first coming was in the flesh and in

weakness, this intermediary coming is in the spirit and in power, the last coming

will be in glory and majesty. This intermediary coming is like a road leading from

the first to the last coming. In the first coming Christ was our redemption, in the

last he will appear as our life, in this intermediary coming he is our rest and

consolation.” Pope Francis says, “For the great human family it is necessary to

renew always the common horizon towards which we are journeying. The

horizon of hope! This is the horizon that makes a good journey.” We are on the

road, we on the journey, our common horizon is a horizon of hope - Christ has

come, Christ is coming, Christ will come again!

Fr. General raises questions in his Advent and Christmas message, “What does

this Advent mean for us Passionists in the context of what is happening in our

lives and our world today? How do we prepare a way for the Lord who has

come, who is coming daily, and who will come again?”

As we ponder these questions during this season of Advent in preparation for

Christmas may the Lord’s coming “in spirit and power” be “our rest and

consolation”, may his coming empower us on our journey of hope to proclaim

the Gospel of Joy.

May you be filled with Peace and Joyful Hope as you celebrate the coming of

the Lord this Christmas and throughout the New Year.

Pat Duffy C.P. Provincial

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Painting from Tobar Mhuire, Crossgar

An artist’s image of St. Patrick’s Province

Local artist Keith Drury (Co. Down) was commissioned to create an

image of St Patrick's Passionist Province. For the purposes of the picture

above the artist was asked to focus on what we call the home province

of Ireland, Scotland and Paris. His picture contains images of Tobar

Mhuire, Holy Cross Ardoyne, Mount Argus Dublin, The Graan Co.

Fermanagh, St Mungo's Glasgow and St. Joseph's Paris. Overall it

attempts to capture the diversity of location, buildings, ministry etc as

well as highlighting the Passionist Charism which unites them all.

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Tobar Mhuire - The Image‘Passionist Charism’-

The image has provoked the following comments:

“This is beautiful. I love it. It’s artistic, insightful and challenging – our mission ismore than our buildings yet buildings form the basis of much of the history of ourmission.” Brian D’arcy CP

“The piece has a lot of life, color and complexity. I think it will be most meaningfulfor those with personal connections to the Passionists. For me, it was really heart-warming to see the Tobar Mhuire Stations of the Cross. I also like that the ministriesare happening "on the street" and "at night" which I think is very reflective of howand where Passionists serve. Two things challenged me-the long shadows cast by thePriests and the spatial distance between them. I'm really not sure what to make ofthe former observation other than it's probably just stylistic. The later seems counterto my experience of community within the Passionists. Overall, it's a very impressivepiece and I've grateful to you for sending it along.” Kate Balmforth InternationalVolunteer Tobar Mhuire 2012-2013

“Totally brilliant & innovative! Love it.” Tom Scanlon CP

“What a fantastic piece of art - and so symbolic of your wonderful Passionistministry.” Professor Thomas Groome, Boston College School of Theology

“As one associated with the community I recognised a few of the symbols andbuildings ok and got a message of unity across the Province, amidst many quirkymanifestations of 'the world'!

I see the buildings are drawn towards the charism which is a good central messagefor Joe Public, who would be intrigued by the picture. It'll provoke interestingconversations. If I was showing others I'd use a good thinking routine: 'I see, I think, Iwonder' (David Perkins, Harvard Univ).

To me the picture is a huge compliment and appreciation from the artist who wantsto tell others of the great work by the community. A contemporary community thathas shown the modern world a variety of ways to live with others - has brought andis bringing the Christian message to all, matching any secular structure that tries todo otherwise. So it is very hopeful”

Danny Mc Fadden (Scotland) Member of Passionist Youth Resource Team 1987-1992

Make your own mind up!

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Tobar Mhuire: Two Fund Raising Events Coming Up

Building on last year’s attempt at a one day Christmas Craft Fair we are launching outwith a two day fair this year. We have various stall vendors booked to take part aswell as an enthusiastic Santa etc. Following close on the heels of this eventcomes…………

This will be our final fundraising event for the year. We haven’t done this before butso far we are almost sold out…some places left for Friday 13th…what is it about thatdate. For this we are borrowing Tom the chef from Holy Cross and as any of you whohave tasted his food we are set to impress all who turn up.

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Tobar Mhuire: Advent Retreat Event

On 14 December we have invited clergy of all denominations as well asministers of the Word to join us for "You will call him Immanuel...God iswith us." A Preparation for Christmas with the Gospel of Matthew.

Following his very successful contribution to our Summer Institute, we arehappy to see Sean Goan return to Tobar Mhuire. Using his unique style whichcombines scholarship and storytelling, Sean will explore the richness of thescriptures to help us prepare for Christmas. Feel free to join us if you can.

On behalf of the community I would like to extend Best Wishes to Gareth onthe occasion of his Ordination to the Diaconate and Greetings to the brethrenfor Christmas and the New Year.

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From St. Paul's, Mount Argus

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PASSIONIST COMPANIONS

A gathering of Passionist Companions took place in Mount Argus on Saturday23rd November with representatives from Glasgow; Prestonpans; Crossgar; TheGraan and Mount Argus. The day was led by Fr. Frank and Fr. Paul Francis.

The opening prayer picked up on the Feast of the Presentation of Mary whichhad taken place just two days before, and which of course is a significant feast inthe life of the Congregation. The input centred around some texts from the lastGeneral Chapter on the participation of the laity in our charism and proposed aprogramme for the Companions for 2014 consisting of 3 elements:

Invitation of New Members (December 2013- January 2014)

1. Formation of Members based on the Companions Covenant (February toOctober 2014)

2. Consecration of Members on the Feast of the Presentation of Mary 2014

There was time for sharing before a mid-day prayer based on the Steps of thePassion; and after lunch there was time for discussion on the practicalities ofimplementing this programme in each of the localities and what kind of supportwould be required from Professed Passionists.

The day ended with the Vigil celebration of the Mass of Christ the King.

Fr. Frank Keevins C.P.

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News: St. Joseph's, Paris

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Paris Diary

Nov. 27th : Scripture LectureNov. 30th Sat: Advent Parish Retreat

Dec. Week 1: St Paul of the Cross Pre-chapter in the US for Fr Francis Finnigan & FrMelvin Shorter

Dec.1st : Christmas Bazaar

Dec. 7th : Sat: Advent Bible StudyDec 7th : Sat: First Reconciliation Service

Dec. 15th : Sunday at 3pm Christmas Carols& Pageant followed by a Parish Social withChildren.

Dec 18th: Christmas Penance Service

Marymount School Penance Service andMassThe December Christmas Mission Lunch (StJoseph's monthly participation at theAmerican Cathedral)

Four Christmas Masses:Dec 24th: 5:30pm; 7:30pm; 10pm(carols at9:30pm); andDec 25th : 11:00am.

Christmas Pageant

Some Photos

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News: St. Joseph's, Paris

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Dear Readers, From the Editor’s Desk:-

For some reason, as I write these few lines, the old rhyme about the horse rider who

was killed comes to mind "Between the saddle and the ground, he mercy sought and

mercy found"!

Between my e-mails and the buttons I needed to push to send the material to designers,

printers etc, something went wrong. Roselyne and Aidan in Paris were the first to send

material for the Christmas edition. I even sent them a note of congratulation! But then I

forgot to press the b...... button!

"On my bended knees", as Pope John Paul ll said, I ask pardon of our Parisian

correspondents and hope that they will not decide not to be the first in future!

Christmas Carols

Santa arrives

And refreshments

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News Item: From St. Mungo's, Glasgow

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Recently we had a squad of industrious workers here to do some

insulation work in the Retreat. Since then there is a noticeable increase

in the heat within the house. This was organized by the Archdiocese at

no cost to us.

Mr.Juan Trias died recently. He was the father of Frank Trias C.P. who is

one of our students. Fr. Paul Francis Spencer was the main celebrant at

Juan’s Requiem Mass. There was a very large crowd at the Mass and

many other Passionists travelled here to concelebrate the Mass, and

were a support to Frank and his family.

Gareth Thomas C.P. will be ordained a deacon by Archbishop Philip

Tattaglia in our church on Sunday 22nd December at the12 noon Mass.

Gareth is a native of Merthyr Tydvil in Wales. He lived in Saint Mungo’s

community when he joined us and was also a student at Scotus College.

It is a great day for Gareth and his family and friends and for our own

Province of St. Patrick.

News Item: From James Feehan (Canice) in Santiago

We were recently asked to pray for James Feehan in Paraguay. He has

since sent an e-mail explaining what happened.

“Unfortunately I committed a serious error of judgment in trying to lift

something too heavy for me (groceries) and suffered a severe back strain

that has left me paying a high enough price up to now. And just at the

moment when I had begun to make preparations for my trip home. And I

was so looking forward to that. It’s not easy, I can tell you. Of course I’ve

stopped all pastoral activity …… However I hope to be able to leave for

home by mid-January, God willing”

He wishes us all a happy Christmas and thanks us for our prayers.

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The Back Page

Prayer is…

Annoying God.

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(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis spoke on the theme of prayer on Thursday, 6th Dec.

2013, saying when we pray it’s a bit like annoying God so that he listens to us. His

remarks came during his homily at the morning mass in the Santa Marta

guesthouse. Listen to the following report by Susy Hodges:

Speaking at Mass, Pope Francis said "prayer has two attitudes: it’s needy and at

the same time it’s certain of the fact that God, in his own way and his own time, will

answer our need." A person who prays, he continued, "doesn’t fear disturbing God

and nourishes a blind faith in His love." The Pope recalled how Jesus himself taught

us to pray like the annoying friend who begs for food at midnight or like the widow

with the corrupt judge. Another example he quoted was the gospel account of how

the lepers approached Jesus, saying to him, “if you want, you can cure us.”

“Maybe this sounds strange,” the Pope said, “but praying is a bit like annoying God

so that he listens to us. He stressed the importance of praying with insistence and

not giving up after the first few attempts. “Jesus said “ask” but he also said to us,

“Knock at the door” and he or she who knocks at the door makes a noise, disturbs

or annoys.”

Therefore, Pope Francis continued, “prayer is insisting to the point of annoyance but

also with an unshakeable certainty.” Just like the blind people in the Gospel who

asked Jesus to be healed and when he asked them if they believed he could cure

them, they assured him they did. The Pope concluding by saying that Jesus feels

our need when we pray and also feels that we are certain of his help and that we’re

speaking the truth about ourselves.

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