Passionist Formation Center (PFC) - Cebu, Philippines
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6000 Cebu City, Philippines
 

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"Memoria Passionis" and the Passionists in the Philippines

The loving Savior arranged that His disciples were not to be held in their own immediate confines limited by friends and familiar surroundings. Instead, they were to go forth to every corner of the world with the instructions: to witness, to proclaim and to share His love.

Living up to this ideal is a mark of Christ's authentic disciple. Casting no doubts, it must be underlying reason that motivates every religious and missionary setting forth to the unknown lands unmindful of the great perils that lay before them. Their source of Charisma is the love of Christ.

Every other religious takes different paths in corresponding to this love of Christ. The Passionists responds in a special way, a response that sets aside the obstacle of great challenge and self-exultation. It is a response of living up the love of Christ rooted in His Passion and Death. For it is through this that the greatest and the most overwhelming expression of His love is clearly communicated. Since then, every Passionist imprints and will continually do so in their very being and doing the memory of the Passion.

Two scores ago, the Passionist Congregation plunged its roots deeply in the Philippine soil. They settled for the mission in the remote areas of Southern Mindanao. Insurmountable opportunities to witness and proclaim Christ's love confronted them. Alongside with these opportunities were challenges and risks. Completely different physical environments with entirely different cultures and beliefs to embrace were heavy loads for them.

It took them much time and effort to penetrate to peoples' lives and therein to speak eloquently of the Lord's love. Doing this was no easy task. The road to walk was no bed of roses. It was a rocky road bedecked with piercing thorns of hardships. Passionist missionaries were tested through time of trials. The sight of Filipino people living in dire poverty was overwhelming. It was in this experience of being poor that the great struggles of the people lay. Essentially, Filipinos wrestled with their own sufferings. They were the 'crucified ones' of today in this part of the world. This sight of suffering was painful to behold and was a challenge to the missionaries to share in the sufferings of the people. Passionist might as well be swayed by these surging waves if they did not stand afoot with the people whom they ministered. What account for all of these is the intimate relationship with the Crucified Christ and the crucified of today. The relationship is expressed by the constant remembering of His Passion. "Memoria Passionis" is impressed in the depth of their "being" so much so that this empowers them to accomplish their "doings." Thus, "Memoria Passionis" is the integrating factor in their active and contemplative life. This makes possible the union of God in the depths of prayer and in the moments of absorbing apostolates. Moreover, through "Memoria Passionis," the Passionists see Christ in all with new eyes and more clearly. With this, imprinted in the deepest recesses of their being, their zeal and will power to do impeccable services continuously burns. This enables them to have a profound sense of awareness that the Passion of Christ continues up to this day. Passionist shares the hard life of these people.

For forty (40) years, the momentum of the Passionists' presence in the Philippines does not stop like a ball rolling. As the task continuously rolls on, another chapter then continuously unfolds. "Memoria Passionis" will unceasingly sustain them in their relentless efforts to share the wisdom of the Cross. Because of this impressed "Memoria Passionis," Passionist's commitment, zest, vigor and life of prayer will be greatly seen and touched as the salt and light of the earth not only in the oratory but in the daily situations people encounter.


taken from Paulacrucian Newsletter
September 1999 Issue

News Break!


"The Passion of Christ continues in this world until He comes in glory. Therefore, we (Passionists) share the joys and sorrows of our contemporaries as we journey through life toward our Father. We wish to share in the distress of all especially those who are poor and neglected; we seek to offer them comfort and relieve the burden of their sorrow."

Rev. Fr. Jose Orbegozo, CP