Passionist International Bulletin

Passionist LifeThe participants atthe NECPMeeting,Meeting ofthe NorthEuropeanConference ofPassionistsThe General Assembly of theNorth European Conference ofPassionists took place from 24-26 September 2003 in Munich,Germany. It was attended by theGeneral Consultor, Fr. RobertJoerger and the provincials of theConference. The discussion centeredaround the topic of“Restructuring” at the provincelevel and at the conference level,particularly in light of the upcomingGeneral Synod of 2004 whichwill study this topic.Toward a reorganization of the Passionists in BrazilDuring last Oct. 28-29 a meeting of Passionist Major Superiors of Braziltook place in Colombo, Paraná. The scope of the meeting was to study variousaspects common to Passionist life in that country. Those attending themeeting were Frs. Norberto Donizetti, Provincial of Calvario Province;Giovanni Cipriani, Regional Superior of the Vicariate of Nuestra Señora dela Victoria (DOL Province); Celio Amaro, Regional Superior of the Vicariateof Cristo Libertador (SPE Province); Pedro Bacchiocchi, Regional Superiorof the Vicariate of Bl. Dominic (PRAES Province) and Mario Capadiferro,representative of the Vicariate of Bl. Isidore (LAT Province).PASPAC AssemblyThe Passionists of the Asia-Pacific region held their biennial Assembly inPapua New Guinea (PNG) from 28 September to 5 October 2003. The meetingwas attended by Fr. General and the Consultors Frs. Jefferies Foale andVital Otshuadialokoka. It was a most fruitful gathering on many levels. Thereflections and sharing on the theme: “The Passionists Proclaim the Word ofthe Cross: Formation for Solidarity in the service of Justice” was very challengingand encouraging; the fraternity and prayer was rich and meaningful;and the day celebrated with the local people was uplifting and overwhelming…in truly generous PNG style! There were 40 participants, men from theseven jurisdictions of PASPAC, made up of many nationalities, and PNG’sown Sister Martin Joseph Taylor CP.Brother Theo van den Broek OFM of the Catholic Justice and PeaceOffice in Jayapura, in the Indonesian Province of Papua, shared on the courageouswork he does in defence of the helpless indigenous peoples and gaveencouragement and guidance to all who face injusticesinflicted on the poor in the places where they are.The facilitator was Fr Kevin Dance CP – thePassionist representative at the UN. All thegroups were able to mix well, despite somedifficulties with the language barrier, andtake their turn in leading the assembly forliturgy and prayer, which was very meaningful.Lacking resources to fund theAssembly, the Vicariate of PNG was mostenergetic and creative in raising funds from avariety of sources to cover all expenses.The agenda basically was composed of two points: first, a study of a possiblereorganization of the Passionists in Brazil. Subsequent to an analysisof the other data gathered from prior research, it was decided to form acommission composed of a religiousfrom each group (the province and thefour vicariates) to coordinate, promoteand encourage reflection on thistopic in the respective regions. Thiscommission will prepare a report forthe next meeting of these superiors inFebruary, 2004. The second pointwas that of an evaluation of thenovitiate of the Province, in whichthere are also novices from the vicariates.In this regard, there was discussionabout a more experientialkind of novitiate, with greateremphasis on the Charism,Spirituality and specific mission ofthe Passionists.Fr. Paul Hata, Vice-Provincial ofJapan, and Fr. PaulCherukoduth, Vicar ofIndia offer incense duringthe liturgy of theBiannual PASPACAssembly29