Let Us Pray for Passionist Vocations!
A Summary of the Circular Letters on Passionist Vocations by Provincials Stanislaus Grennan
(1925)
Ernest Welch (1954) and Gerard Rooney (1964).
by Rob Carbonneau, C.P.
On November 1, 2001 Province Vocation Director Leo O'Boyle, C.P. wrote that, based upon on a variety of advertisements and promotions, his office receives approximately a hundred inquiries a year. These three circular letter summaries on Passionist vocation serve as a reminder that attention and concern about making known Passionist religious life and ministry has remained consistent throughout the twentieth century. Several themes link these circulars.
First: While Passionists tend to be described as an apostolic/contemplative community, mature reflection and discussion should lead us to speak of these values in the same breath in a complementary fashion. These are not opposites. Attention has always been given to linking these values.
Second: The twentieth century development of religious life has offered more attention to the vocation of a priest than that of a brother. The 1954 circular brings balance in this area.
Third: The life, prayer, preaching and thought of St. Paul of the Cross has been the inspiration for understanding Passionist identity.
Fourth: Vocational encouragement can be assigned, as in the case of a province vocation director; however, each Passionist needs to be reminded that personal presence, prayer, zeal for the Gospel and the Passionist Congregation is a gift to be shared, not a task imposed.
Fifth: Each circular speaks of crisis. We always need more men! Remember that in 1931 St. Paul of the Cross Province ordained thirty priests. They were known as the "thirty thieves of 1931." By 1964 the concern is for sustaining the number of Passionists who can minister in an era of dual expansion. On one hand, there is an expansion of Passionist life span, on the other hand there is an expansion of foundations and ministries. It remains worthwhile to reflect on these points. -Editor
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