Passionist International Bulletin
Passionist International Bulletin
Passionist International Bulletin
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
The Curia Informs<br />
INTER - PROVINCIAL MEETING<br />
PAUL-CRUC<br />
26 - 28 JANUARY 2004<br />
Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center provided a<br />
beautiful setting for the annual meeting of the provincial<br />
councils from Holy Cross and St. Paul of the<br />
Cross provinces. Also present for this gathering were<br />
the Provincial and Consultor from Mexico, Frs.<br />
Alfonso and Hector, and the Regional Vicar from<br />
Canada, Fr. Stephen Dunn. This year the meeting<br />
took on a more unique character as those assembled<br />
were joined by the Superior General, Fr. Ottaviano<br />
D’Egidio, and the members of the General Council.<br />
This was the first time that the General Council has<br />
met with the full provincial councils of a particular<br />
region, an action recommended by the General<br />
Chapter of 2000. Brother Paul Michalenko, who has<br />
served as facilitator for the provincial chapters of both<br />
provinces and for the last General Chapter, served as<br />
facilitator for this meeting.<br />
Input and dialogue on a variety of topics took<br />
place with a particular focus on the collaboration that<br />
has already begun and that is being proposed for the<br />
future, especially in the areas of initial and lay formation.<br />
After reviewing the respective formation programs<br />
of both provinces, a joint meeting of the formation<br />
boards was proposed to discuss future collaboration,<br />
notably in regard to an inter-province novitiate.<br />
Philip Paxton (CRUC) and Gerald Laba (PAUL)<br />
then gave an overview of programs for the laity in<br />
their respective provinces. These include, from Holy<br />
Cross, <strong>Passionist</strong> Partners and <strong>Passionist</strong> Lay<br />
Missioners, and from St. Paul of the Cross, Mission<br />
Fulfillment, <strong>Passionist</strong> Associates, <strong>Passionist</strong><br />
Volunteers, and <strong>Passionist</strong> Volunteers<br />
<strong>International</strong>. In August 2003, a formal<br />
dialogue began among the leadership of<br />
these programs. Inter-province participation<br />
in programs and events is being<br />
planned in the spring and summer of this<br />
year. Dialogue will also take place in<br />
regard to future cooperation between the<br />
<strong>Passionist</strong> Volunteers and <strong>Passionist</strong> Lay<br />
Missioners. The goal of these two programs<br />
is compassionate outreach to the<br />
poor and to those in need.<br />
Dialogue followed reports from the<br />
provincials, Fr. Michael Higgins (CRUC)<br />
Fr. Robert Joerger, C.P.<br />
and Fr. Terence Kristofak (PAUL), and from the<br />
Regional Vicar, Fr. Stephen Dunn (PAUL-MACAN).<br />
The discussion then turned to the Restructuring of the<br />
Congregation and Provinces. Within the context of<br />
our charism and mission, and building upon a history<br />
of inter-province collaboration, the participants suggested<br />
that further cooperation between the provinces<br />
might take place in particular areas of ministry,<br />
administration, and communication.<br />
Other topics on the agenda included a review of<br />
the Sexual Misconduct Policy adopted by both North<br />
American provinces and a presentation from Fr.<br />
Kevin Dance on the <strong>Passionist</strong>s at the United Nations.<br />
Kevin reported that the <strong>Passionist</strong>s are now officially<br />
recognized as “<strong>Passionist</strong>s <strong>International</strong>”.<br />
In personal remarks to the gathering, Fr. Ottaviano<br />
expressed appreciation for the way in which the<br />
provinces address issues and plan for significant gatherings,<br />
i.e., provincial chapters and the<br />
Sesquicentennial celebration. He also encouraged<br />
more investment in vocation animation and in the<br />
study of languages, and asked for observations in<br />
regard to the restructuring of General government and<br />
the Generalate, and communication from the<br />
Generalate to the Congregation.<br />
In all, there was excellent participation from those<br />
assembled, who spoke in three languages. The agenda<br />
and dialogue flowed smoothly, thanks to the efforts<br />
of the facilitator, Brother Paul, and to those who<br />
served as translators, Frs. Enzo del Brocco, Alfonso,<br />
and Alex Steinmiller.<br />
Fr. Gerald Laba, C.P.<br />
11