Pope to Passionists: ‘Bring the hope of God’s love to a suffering world’ – Vatican News

By Lisa Zengarini

Pope Francis on Friday welcomed to the Vatican the members of the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ, commonly known as Passionists, as they conclude their 48th General Chapter in Rome.

“Here I am, send me”

Themed “Here I am, send me” from Isaiah 6:8, the Chapter has reflected on how the Congregation founded in 1720 by St. Paul of the Cross, can respond appropriately to the new challenges of our difficult times to carry out their mission of living and proclaiming the memory of Christ’s Passion in the world.

Taking his cue from Isaiah’s words, Pope Francis encouraged the Passionists to continue their commitment to sharing the Gospel in these challenging times  by exploring new paths for evangelization, while preserving the charism of their founder. “

Don’t abandon contemplative life

We must go out to the streets, squares, and alleys of the world to avoid becoming stagnant and musty, as a testimony to one’s joyful and fruitful faith”, the Pope said.  At the same time, he remarked that such an outreach “will only be effective if it springs from the fullness of love for God and humanity, lived in contemplative life, in fraternal relationships within the community, and in mutual support.”

War is a waste for humanity

Recalling St. Paul of the Cross’s profound spirituality, especially his understanding of Christ’s death on the Cross as the ultimate display of God’s love, Pope Francis called on the Passionists to continue his legacy, by proclaiming Christ’s redemptive presence in the sufferings of our days, marred by poverty, wars, “a waste for humanity”, the groans of creation, and the rejection of the weak.

Love brings hope

Noting that the Chapter coincides with the convocation of the Synod on synodality and is close to the opening of the Jubilee, whose main themes include hope, Pope Francis remarked that this virtue is also central to the Passionists’ charism empowering them to find meaning even amid human suffering.

Mary’s example

Concluding his address, the Pope  urged the Passionists to live out their mission with words of truth, acts of compassion, and the silent presence that comforts the suffering looking to the Virgin Mary as a model of faith and selfless service to God’s plan of salvation. “Following the example and through the intercession of the Virgin Mary – he said – the Passionists live their consecration and mission, aware of the urgency to spread the message of salvation.”