The Report Fr. Ottaviano D’Egidio, General Superior of the Passionists: 2nd part

In the second part of Fr. General's Report for the Synod, he described the journey made from the last Synod in Cuernavaca to the present day, describing what has since been achieved and underlined the decisions which must yet be made. In his address he also talked about some of perplexities and the resistances to the process of renewal that affect us and made references to the spiritual and personal attitudes that are necessary to go on peacefully and resolutely, towards the next stages.

Report of the Superior General to the XIV General Synod (part two)

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Starting afresh after Cuernavaca

Dear brothers,

I am continuing my reflections following the first part of the report that I gave last Friday which sought to open up and encourage a spiritual context connected with the opening liturgy of the Synod. Yesterday the reflections of Fr. Aquilino Bocos Merino shed further light on our journey and encouraged us to continue the search for choices that will give us new vitality and energy.

We must afresh again after Cuernavaca and following the decisions that the 2008 Synod made and the direction that it provided. However, in order to understand as well as possible what happened and its meaning we need to review, even if only briefly, the period “before” Cuernavaca.

1. There were twelve provincial Chapters that were celebrated during the two years between the Synods of 2008-2010. There were a significant number of changes in provincial government and therefore it is good to review the steps that were taken in furthering the process of Restructuring because even if it is true that the Congregation is trying to involve all of the religious in the process, it is also true that when someone is called to the ministry of authority the religious understand and perceive him differently and he assumes a greater responsibility for the phases of discernment and the consequences of the decisions that were made.

2. The initial inspiration for the process of Restructuring originated at the General Chapter of 2000: “The capitulars noted the need for an organizational renewal of structures in the Congregation.” (C.D. 4.7); “‘Solidarity’ is the word chosen to describe a new way of being together as Passionists in the mission for the life of the world. New realities call for new responses in faith…Solidarity calls us to a profound conversion of mind and heart. We grow in awareness that life is a gift to be shared.” (C.D. 4.6)

However, the true and actual beginning of the process took place at the Synod of 2004 during which it was recognized as a call from God to conversion and to new, creative fidelity in community life, in mission and in solidarity within the Congregation, giving preference to the poor. [...]

| Download | Report of the Sup. General to the XIV General Synod (part two)

| Download | Report of the Sup. General to the XIV General Synod (part one)

The Passionist presence in 60 Countries

At the beginning of the day's events and on the occasion of the anniversary of the Passionist foundation in Brazil, we all watched a video about the Congregation's presence in 60 different nations.

Summary from the Drafting Commission: 24 October

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The day began with Mass celebrated in the Chapel of Saint Paul of the Cross. The principal celebrant and homelist was Fr Antonio Munduate.

The morning session, which was preceded by a prayer reflection prepared by the STIP students, consisted of two talks given by Fr Aquilino Bocos Merino C.M.F. on Restructuring in the Passionist Congregation. Fr Aquilino is a former Superior General of the Claretians who is working for the periodical ‘Vida Religiosa’ and for the Theological Institute of Religious Life in Madrid. The session was chaired by Fr Luis Alberto Cano.

Fr Aquilino’s first talk covered three topics: the meaning of restructuring; obstacles and opportunities; the ultimate reason for restructuring. In the second talk, he treated these aspects: presuppositions required to make restructuring effective; the relationship between the Congregation and its major organisms (provinces, vice-provinces, vicariates); motivation and co-responsibility in structural innovation; final considerations.

Restructuring is a principle of healthy realism: Fr. Aquilino Bocos Merino, CMF

The expression "Restructuring is a principle of healthy realism" was used by the preacher and it summarizes the key point and the perspective of Fr. Aquilino Bocos Merino’s presentation. Thanks to his personal experience, as former General of the Claretians and his academic studies, he guided us through a spiritual but also realistic reading of a transformation and renewal process like the Restructuration process that we are undertaking.

What is most needed in order for this process to bear fruit is conversion that is personal and profound. We need to work so that religious life maintains its prophetic and meaningful dimension in order to be able to heal the wounds of the modern world.

In this way our efforts to elaborate and to implement new structures and organizations will make our charism efficacious in world of today. The specific mission - the one that make us preach the cross each day - should be the measure of our planning efforts.

Reflection Day: Fr. Aquilino Bocos Merino, CMF

The first Sunday morning of the Synod was dedicated to a special day of reflection on “Restructuring in the Passionist Congregation” guided by Fr. Aqulino Bocos Merino, CMF. The following information will introduce  him. Fr. Aquilino Bocos Merino started his activity by teaching philosophy in the Claretian Seminary of Segovia, completed his studies in philosophy at the Pontifical University of Salamanca and was on the formation staff of the International Claretian Theologate of Salamanca and spiritual director of the Maronite Major Seminary of the same City.

Holy Mass: homily for October 24th

30th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Gospel of Luke 18,9-14

The Word of God, which is proclaimed on this Sunday Liturgy for the 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time, invites us to review our relationship with God—which is our prayer life; and asks how is our relationship with our brothers and sisters. Let us remember that contemplating divine realities and union with God through prayer ought to be the first and primary obligation of all religious (canon 663). This prayer is certainly not be overlooked on this World Sunday for the Propagation of the Faith (DOMUND*), “Our prayer thus takes on a hidden apostolic fruitfulness for the People of God, and echoes our solidarity with our brothers and sisters, especially the poor and suffering” (Const. 38).