Newly Elected Provincial Council of the Holy Spirit Province pictured here with
Passionist Superior-General Fr Ottaviano D'Egidio CP and Vicar-General Fr Denis Travers CP.
From left: Fr Tom McDonough CP (1st Consultor), Fr Brian Gleeson CP, Fr Ottaviano D'Egidio CP,
Fr Joachim CP (Provincial), Fr John Curtis CP, Fr Kevin Hennessy CP, Fr Denis Travers CP.

At the Provincial Chapter of the Holy Spirit Province held at Holy Cross, Templestowe on July 3rd - 11th, Fr Joachim Rego CP was re-elected Provincial for a 2^nd term of 4 years. Congratulations and best wishes to Fr Joachim and the members of his new Council.

The Chapter then voted and elected four Consultors to assist Fr Joachim on the Provincial Council: Fr Tom McDonough CP (1st Consultor), Fr Kevin Hennessy CP, Fr John Curtis CP and Fr Brian Gleeson CP.

On the first day of the Chapter, the facilitator, Sr Megan Brock RSJ explained that this would be a ‘three space’ Chapter (formal, table sharing and prayer), in line with the request of Province members to have a prayerful experience. She invited everyone to situate the Chapter outside religious life, think as it were ‘outside the square’. In this context, the Passionists watched a video: “Celebrate What’s Right With the World.” produced by former National Geographic photographer Dewitt Jones. (see note, below)

Also on the first day, Fr Ron Davoren CP on behalf of his committee (Fr Tiernan Doherty CP, Fr Gerard Mahony CP, Fr Peter Addicoat CP, Julie O’Brien, Br Frank Hennessy CFC and Gavan Leonard) presented the committee’s report on ‘Health, Retirement and Ageing. Of note, the title and focus of this topic had been changed since the previous Chapter to include ‘retirement’.

Fr Ron noted that the age profile in the Province was 63.9 years. This statistic highlights the issues faced by the Passionists and one which will increase. He said ‘It makes health issues not just a focus, but a necessity.’

On the subject of Solidarity, Fr Denis Travers CP pointed out that the Chapter is an event of the Congregation and it’s primary task at this time is Restructuring. He said: “We are not a Province deciding issues depending only on our own resources. We are seeking solidarity within the Congregation and particularly within the PASPAC Configuration, and we are concerned not only about giving, but also about receiving (finance, resources and personnel)”.

The Chapter also considered Charism issues and relating to this, the vision statement,  ‘A Passionist Heart’ was reviewed; then, building on the work the Charism Team had done, considered the need for a structure that can best promote the Passionist Charism in an inclusive and contemporary way.

Another consideration: how can the Formation Commission best serve the Province and how it can co-ordinate the diverse areas that call for formation of our Passionist Family. Also, the Chapter looked at issues of ministry to Youth and Young Adults and Community Life and to continue to promote these aspects of Passionist life.

On another day, the main topic was, inevitably, finance. Fr Peter Gaughan CP, Province Econome, summarised the financial report of the Province, pointing out that although cash reserves seemed favourable following the sale of the Dulwich Hill investment, ongoing regular maintenance in the past had often been neglected due to lack of funding; also declining annual income was a concern. Thankfully however, all Communities in the Province were blessed with significant support from the lay community and accordingly, the Chapter recorded sincere thanks for the many donors who had been, and continue to be, so generous in their support and without whose help, the Congregation could not continue the many ministries currently provided.

  NOTE: The video referred to in the column at left, “Celebrate What’s Right With the World’ contains some stunning photography and inspiring reflections. It can be viewed at:                                 
http://joyfirst.com/celebrate-whats-right-with-the-world/

Fr Joachim CP, born in Burma, was professed a Passionist in January 1976, then aged 21, and was ordained a Passionist Priest in November 1981.

Prior to January 2005 when he transferred to St Brigid’s, Marrickville, Fr Joachim spent 18 years in Papua New Guinea where he held a number of roles of responsibility including Regional Vicar (8 years), Parish Priest, Novice Master, Director of Students and Retreat Master. He also spent 3 years as a Lecturer at the Major Seminary and for a time, he was Novice Master in India.