Passionist
Institute 25 – 27 May 2007
One of the participants at this year's Institute,
Peter Sims, reflects on his experience at the Institute and, in addition, he has gathered
some comments from other participants - comments which reinforce Peter's summary
of his attendance 'why have I left it so long to participate in such a
Spiritual experience?'
This being my first
‘retreat’ and from conversation with the wonderful people in attendance, theirs
also, I must ask myself this question – why have I left it so long to
participate in such a Spiritual experience? It was made particularly special as
my wife Rosemary shared this experience also.
Upon our arrival at
Templestowe the warmth and welcoming was immediate. This is what I have grown
to expect since my first connection in 1993 with the Passionist Community at a
place called Port Augusta in northern South Australia. It was the inspiring work
of Fr Pat Cooper CP and his talented team that Rosemary decided to convert to
Catholicism. Sadly, the Passionist
Community left Port Augusta this year. The
Monastery and St Paul’s Retreat Centre at Glen Osmond located at the foot of the
Adelaide Hills, in which I refer to, as ‘The Glen’ is very much alive and
well sharing in the Passionist Charism. This community is some two hours travel
from where I live now but I still maintain my strong connection with and
affection for this community and the incredible work they do.
I had no idea of what
to expect but knew deep down I would not be disappointed. Fr Gary Perritt CP
greatly supported by the incredible talents of Frs Peter Addicoat CP, Chris
Monaghan CP and Brian Traynor CP did a fantastic job of sharing the Passionist
Charism with us all.
I guess it is fair to
say that we all in our day to day lives have our ups and downs. No doubt like I,
so many of us have from time to time, questioned many things including our Faith
during this, our journey of life. I am told this is normal, but to learn of the
dedication, perseverance and commitment of one Paul Francis Daneii, later to
become St Paul of the Cross and founder of the Passionists was an amazing,
inspiring and renewing experience.
|
The
whole weekend was an incredible experience of identity,
a sense of
belonging, openness and family connections
with people who I had never met
before but shared
a deep similarity in the Passionist Charism.
On
Saturday night
we had Prayer around the Cross,
which in the simplest terms blew me
apart.
A most heart fulfilling
experience of new found renewal.
This was done with so much reverence particularly
in the presence of the icon of Mary Major.
(at right)
(Click here (#) for more information on the
Icon of St Mary Major) |
 |
The Passionist team is to be
congratulated. I do not know what ingredients you use but don’t change it. All
of us shared similar experiences with the Passionist Communities being warm,
loving, inspiring, non-judgmental, welcoming people who most certainly practice
what they preach.
To those of you who
may be reading this and haven’t participated in a Passionist Institute I say to
you all, now is the time. Do not put it off any longer but register your
intended participation with your Passionist contact. You will not be
disappointed.
I am so proud to be a
Catholic but more important to me, is to belong and be a member of the
Passionist Charism. They are my kind of people. May the Passion of Jesus be
always in our Hearts.
Peter Sims
Wallaroo – South Australia
Following my weekend
with the Passionist Community, I have come away more informed and filled with
the beauty and wonderful welcoming nature of the organizers and other
participants. We heard of the incredible journey of St Paul of the Cross as
well as each others opinions and some personal experiences. I left feeling
renewed with a peaceful comfort, knowing so much more about being a Passionist.
Rosemary Sims
Wallaroo – South Australia
I am going home
immersed with the Charism of the heart to heart relationship of St Paul of the
Cross that I received in the silence, peace and presence of God. Thanks to the
Passionists for leading us in a special way of prayer and creating a beautiful
path for us. God Bless this work! They are so welcoming.
Pauline Mallac
St Paul Apostle Church
Endeavour Hills – VIC
This weekend has
introduced me to the Charism of St Paul of the Cross-through the story of his
life. I have been very moved by the warmth of the Passionist Community, which
welcomes everyone. Thank you for a wonderful experience.
Pam Clay
St Brigid's
Marrickville – NSW
My new Cross. I
embrace the Cross of our Lord Jesus and live my life lead by him and the Cross.
I put everything in the loving hands of God. Respect for everyone and to lead a
community life. Repentance will draw me closer to God and Jesus, letting God’s
will be done on me. A place I would like to be, a place I will love to leave
you, the root of my life. I need courage, patience, perseverance, prayer and
the intervention of my Mother Mary. Love, mercy, community, hope, forgiveness,
perseverance, peace, friendship, happiness and humble. You are my community I
need your prayers to live my life with my New Cross.
Patrick Thuo
St Brigid's
Marrickville - NSW
Gifts often come as
surprises and what a gift it was when we were invited to Templestowe, with less
than 10 days warning, to attend the June Institute at the Holy Cross Monastery.
It began with the
wonderful smile of Br. Vince with his ‘Passionist’ sign at Melbourne Airport and
continued with wonderful teachings of St Paul of the Cross; times of solitude
and contemplation; times of sharing in our groups; social time around the table
with others of all ages and many races from around Australia and the world.
It was truly a
wonderful spiritual weekend and our thanks go to Frs Brian, Gary, Peter and
Chris.
Pat & Rod Carson
New Zealand