Community of the Passion weekend at Wistaston Hall

Passionist Partners from across the country gathered at Wistaston Hall Retreat Centre in the Cheshire countryside near Crewe over the weekend, to share ideas, pray and reflect on their work.

They were joined by four newcomers - making it largest gathering ever. Partners who attended included representatives from Green Christian, London Catholic Worker, The Vestibule, a community project based in Liverpool, Catholics for Aids Prevention and Support (CAPS), Project 72, who work with refugees, Reformed a group who support former prisoners, Martha House, which offers accommodation and assistance to destitute refugees in London, and Independent Catholic News.

Passionist clergy who attended were Fr Nicholas Poslethwaite and Fr Martin Newell. The gathering was facilitated by Paschal Somers and Fr Martin.

Participants reflected on the readings for Pentecost Sunday, and shared experiences of the Passion in their work.

On the Saturday Fr Martin gave a presentation on the Crucified God and the Nonviolent Passion of Jesus: The Most Overwhelming Work of God's Love?' which was followed by a group discussion.

In the evening, small groups reflected on the motivation for their work - there was general agreement that all feel committed to the Passionist charism - dedicated to serve the 'Crucified God, Crucified People, Crucified Earth' - working to promote the values of God's Kingdom, of peace, justice, care for creation, freedom and human rights.

On the Sunday, participants shared experiences of the Resurrection in their lives and work, before the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Besides being a time of prayer and reflection, the weekend was an enjoyable social gathering. We were blessed with blue skies and and balmy spring weather. Many people took the opportunity to explore the beautiful grounds of Wistaston Hall and beyond.

LINKS

The Passionists: https://passionists.org.uk/

Wistaston Hall: www.orc-crewe.org