Passionist Rule and Constitutions.pdf - The Passionists of Holy ...

While the Provincial Chapter may not assume executive duties of government, it nevertheless
has the responsibility to re-assess past performance in the light of clearly defined policies.
124. The Provincial Superior should guide and inspire the local Communities and bind them
together in genuine brotherly unity.
He should be alert to the workings of the Holy Spirit, and sensitive to differences between
various situations.
His Council and other established groups will help him to judge responsibly and rightly
concerning the life-style and faithfulness of the local Communities.
125. The Provincial Superior should have at heart a deep care for all the religious in his
Province. He must encourage them to use their talents and to realize the full potential of their
gifts, aware that this promotes the welfare of each individual and of the entire Province.
His role as leader means that he must point out goals, clearly explain values, and propose
motives that will inspire genuine Passionist living.
He has the prime responsibility for ensuring that the life of the Province remains healthy and
runs smoothly. He therefore has to settle disputes, organize for effective action, and supervise the
carrying out of projects authorized by General or Provincial Authority. Finally, he has to
promote a closer union between his own Province and the Congregation as a whole.
The General Chapter
126. The General Chapter is the supreme authority in the Congregation, and possesses full
jurisdiction according to the norms of law.
127. The General Chapter meets to carry out its task of making laws and holding elections.
It has to promote the faithfulness of the Congregation to the ideals of community and service of
the Church. Its primary responsibilities, therefore, are as follows:
(a) to discern the workings of the Holy Spirit in the events of life, and thus to be a powerful
force in the task of continual adaptation and renewal;
(b) to nourish the growth and development of the authentic Passionist spirit, so that it will be
manifestly embodied in every member of the Congregation, no matter where he lives;
(c) to consider closely the state of the Congregation, and to clarify its common goals of
community life and apostolic activity;
(d) to foster solidarity, and to maintain unity without insisting on uniformity;
(e) to evaluate how the General Government has operated, and the extent to which the
planning of the previous Chapter and of the General Synods has been implemented. It will
avoid, however, specifying administrative procedures that depend on the Superior General
and his staff;
(f) to elect the Superior General and his Council.
128. As the supreme legislative body of an international community, the General Chapter will
normally give directives and instructions in general terms, which each Province is obliged to
carry out in harmony with its own particular culture and circumstances.
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