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
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 22 nd 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. 2
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 46 th 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 13 th 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. 3
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 8 th 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 15 th 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 46 th 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. 4
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 5
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. 6
The image has provoked the following comments: This is beautiful. I love it. It s artistic, insightful and challenging our mission is more than our buildings yet buildings form the basis of much of the history of our mission. Brian D arcy CP The piece has a lot of life, color and complexity. I think it will be most meaningful for those with personal connections to the Passionists. For me, it was really heartwarming to see the Tobar Mhuire Stations of the Cross. I also like that the ministries are happening "on the street" and "at night" which I think is very reflective of how and where Passionists serve. Two things challenged me-the long shadows cast by the Priests and the spatial distance between them. I'm really not sure what to make of the former observation other than it's probably just stylistic. The later seems counter to my experience of community within the Passionists. Overall, it's a very impressive piece and I've grateful to you for sending it along. Kate Balmforth International Volunteer Tobar Mhuire 2012-2013 Totally brilliant & innovative! Love it. Tom Scanlon CP What a fantastic piece of art - and so symbolic of your wonderful Passionist ministry. Professor Thomas Groome, Boston College School of Theology As one associated with the community I recognised a few of the symbols and buildings ok and got a message of unity across the Province, amidst many quirky manifestations of 'the world'! I see the buildings are drawn towards the charism which is a good central message for Joe Public, who would be intrigued by the picture. It'll provoke interesting conversations. If I was showing others I'd use a good thinking routine: 'I see, I think, I wonder' (David Perkins, Harvard Univ). To me the picture is a huge compliment and appreciation from the artist who wants to tell others of the great work by the community. A contemporary community that has shown the modern world a variety of ways to live with others - has brought and is bringing the Christian message to all, matching any secular structure that tries to do otherwise. So it is very hopeful Danny Mc Fadden (Scotland) Member of Passionist Youth Resource Team 1987-1992 Make your own mind up! 7
Tobar Mhuire: Two Fund Raising Events Coming Up Building on last year s attempt at a one day Christmas Craft Fair we are launching out with a two day fair this year. We have various stall vendors booked to take part as well as an enthusiastic Santa etc. Following close on the heels of this event comes This will be our final fundraising event for the year. We haven t done this before but so far we are almost sold out some places left for Friday 13 th what is it about that date. For this we are borrowing Tom the chef from Holy Cross and as any of you who have tasted his food we are set to impress all who turn up. 8
Tobar Mhuire: Advent Retreat Event On 14 December we have invited clergy of all denominations as well as ministers of the Word to join us for "You will call him Immanuel...God is with us." A Preparation for Christmas with the Gospel of Matthew. Following his very successful contribution to our Summer Institute, we are happy to see Sean Goan return to Tobar Mhuire. Using his unique style which combines scholarship and storytelling, Sean will explore the richness of the scriptures 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 on the occasion of his Ordination to the Diaconate and Greetings to the brethren for Christmas and the New Year. 9
PASSIONIST COMPANIONS A gathering of Passionist Companions took place in Mount Argus on Saturday 23 rd November with representatives from Glasgow; Prestonpans; Crossgar; The Graan 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 which had taken place just two days before, and which of course is a significant feast in the life of the Congregation. The input centred around some texts from the last General Chapter on the participation of the laity in our charism and proposed a programme 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 to October 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 the Passion; and after lunch there was time for discussion on the practicalities of implementing this programme in each of the localities and what kind of support would be required from Professed Passionists. The day ended with the Vigil celebration of the Mass of Christ the King. Fr. Frank Keevins C.P. 10
Paris Diary Nov. 27 th : Scripture Lecture Nov. 30 th Sat: Advent Parish Retreat Dec. Week 1: St Paul of the Cross Prechapter in the US for Fr Francis Finnigan & Fr Melvin Shorter Dec.1 st : Christmas Bazaar Dec. 7 th : Sat: Advent Bible Study Dec 7 th : Sat: First Reconciliation Service Christmas Pageant Some Photos Dec. 15 th : Sunday at 3pm Christmas Carols & Pageant followed by a Parish Social with Children. Dec 18 th : Christmas Penance Service Marymount School Penance Service and Mass The December Christmas Mission Lunch (St Joseph's monthly participation at the American Cathedral) Four Christmas Masses: Dec 24 th : 5:30pm; 7:30pm; 10pm(carols at 9:30pm); and Dec 25 th : 11:00am. 11
Christmas Carols Santa arrives And refreshments 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! 12
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 22 nd 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. 13
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis spoke on the theme of prayer on Thursday, 6 th 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. 14