we have all heard that we are to love God with our whole heart and to love our neighbors as ourselves. But how do we go about this? He is calling each of us to look deep inside ourselves to ask ourselves who we are. And so we must. We will find things we like about ourselves, and some things we would rather not bring to the surface.
Read MoreWhy should anyone even think that praying is a battle? Isn’t praying about communicating with God, and or with the saints? Why would there be a battle? Prayer is a battle against our own wounded nature, the distractions of the world, and Satan. We rely on God to help us pray. A loving perseverance, firm in the hope of our salvation, is essential.
Read MoreWe must never forget that the baptized are all called to imitate Christ according to their state in life. Throughout scripture we find that Jesus taught poverty of spirit by his life, his words and his works. It is not incidental that Jesus chose to be born in a stable in Bethlehem and to end his life bereft of all things of this world by his death on a cross.
Read MoreOctober 20th, 2012, the solemnity of our Holy Founder, St. Paul of the Cross, was a glorious celebration here at the monastery, as we commemorated the 15th anniversary of the foundation of the Passionist Oblates, and received 16 new members into the Oblate formation program.
Read MoreThe spiritual life for all of us involves these two dimensions: the horizontal - reaching out to those we encounter along the way. To be involved with our neighbors, near or far. The other dimension in our lives is the Vertical Dimension, the line that goes from our heart to the very heart of our God. Passionists would say that that vertical line to the Father passes directly through the pierced hearts of Mary, standing at the foot of the Cross, and of Jesus hanging on the Cross.
Read MoreBecoming an Oblate has made a difference in my prayer life. It has made me more appreciative of Jesus’ suffering and dying in reparation for my sins and made me more aware of His presence in my every day life. It has given me a better insight into the value of redemptive suffering.
Read MoreMother Catherine has asked us to take part in a study of the Passionist saints and/or some of the themes which abound in Paul’s letters. We encourage you to allow your mind and heart to be captivated and lead by this great hunter of souls. He will guide you and enlighten you in unbelievable ways.
Read MoreOn the evening of Feb. 4, 2003 we received 28 new members into the Oblate Formation program, bringing the total number to 46. It was a moving witness to the work of the Holy Spirit, stirring up in the hearts of so many a desire to participate in the Passionist charism.
Read MoreAmong the many Passionist associations springing up all over the world today are the Passionist Oblates associated with the cloistered Passionist Nuns of Whitesville, Kentucky. This work of the Spirit was initiated by Tom and Debbie Carter of Benton, Illinois. The "foundation" of the Oblates of the Passion took place on December 13, 1997, as the first group was admitted by the superior into the formation program.
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