passionist new fall/winter 2013

The Passionists Celebrate 160 Years of Service in the United States On Sunday, October 20, 2013, Passionists from across the country and from Rome came to celebrate the 160th Anniversary of Passionist presence in the United States with a Mass at Immaculate Conception Church in Jamaica, NY.

The Superior General of the Passionists, the Most Rev. Joachim Rego, C.P. arrived from Rome to be the main Presider and Homilist. Joining Fr. Rego on the altar as main con-celebrants were the Very Rev. Donald Webber, C.P., Provincial of the Holy Cross Province, and the Very Rev. Robert Joerger, C.P., Provincial of the St. Paul of the Cross Province.

The church was filled with many friends and benefactors of the Passionists, both past and present, along with Passionist priests and brothers from near and far. A reception followed Mass in the parish hall, at which those present were invited to meet Fr. Rego and to continue the anniversary celebration with all of the Passionist Community.

N E W S The Passionists

— from —

FA LL/ W INTER 2013

Fr. Joachim Rego, C.P.

Wishing You Christmas Joy

MADE IN THE U.S.A.

“May the Passion of Christ Be Always in Our Hearts.”

111 South Ridge Street, Suite 302 • Rye Brook, NY 10573-2838 (914) 908-6736 • www.thepassionists.org • email: [email protected]

The Passionist MissionariesGod Bless You This Christmas

MADE IN THE U.S.A.

The Passionist Missionaries

For to us a child is born...

MADE IN THE U.S.A.

The Passionist MissionariesPeace on Earth, Good will to all!

MADE IN THE U.S.A.

You may enroll a deceased person for perpetual remembrance in Passionist Masses and prayers, announcing this gift with a card. We have three beautiful designs to select from. Simply check the appropriate box in the reply folder, visit us at http://www.thepassionists.org/masscards, or call our office at 914-908-6736. We will be happy to send your cards along to you, with an

enrollment slip for each.

Winter Scene CardMadonna & Child CardHoly Family Card Angel Card

Passion Flower Card St. Paul of the Cross Card Our Lady of Sorrows CardCP54YENL-13

Pope Francis’s Words Reflect the Passionist Charismby Fr. Robert Joerger, C.P.

Pope Francis continues to inspire me. There is something about the simplicity of his life, the humility of his person, the universal embrace of his vision of the Church which makes me just sit up and listen to him as a Holy Father.

I had to laugh when I read his description of himself as a thirty-something year old Jesuit Provincial. I remember being the same with the Passionists. Yes, as Pope Francis remarks, it is a too-young age for a position that requires a certain amount of wisdom. But we are humbled by the youthful arrogance of our all-knowingness. Then perhaps we listen more and become much less self-assured and authoritarian. It is so much easier when we do our best and then let God be in charge.

The Holy Father’s reflections of who we are called to be as a Church spoke so much to me of the charism of the Passionists, that brotherhood and sisterhood founded by St. Paul of the Cross, which has at the heart of its mission the preaching of Christ Crucified. We try not to “fix” those who suffer. Most people do not want to be fixed; they want to be loved. Our preaching of the Cross hopefully inspires our listeners to find meaning in their suffering. Our retreat houses offer a place of safety where wounds can be expressed and stories told. We hope to accompany those crucified by the circumstances of their lives. And as Pope Francis so readily affirms, who can do this without a contemplative heart, lived out in a community of faith?

As we Passionists of St. Paul of the Cross Province celebrate our 160 years of presence here in the United States, I hope we will reflect on the Pope’s words and re-commit ourselves to this faith-filled journey.

Fr. Robert Joerger, C.P. is currently the Provincial Superior of of the Passionists in the Eastern United States, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean.

Things Aren’t Always What They Appear To Beby Fr. Stephen Haslach, C.P.

If you were to visit our Passionist Monastery in Jamaica, NY, where the Health Care Facility for our aged Passionists is located, the first thing you would notice is elderly Passionists in wheelchairs, using walkers or canes, and an occasional oxygen tank or two.

It would serve the visitor well to recall words written by Plato in his dialogue Phaedrus: “Things are not always as they seem; the first appearance deceives many.”

For what you first see are old men who were once young, but if you were to sit down with them and

Pope Francis

Do you have any friends or family you think would like to receive materials from the Passionists?

We are always interested in making new friends and serving them through opportunities for prayer. If you know of anyone that you think would be interested, there is a space on the reply

slip for his or her name and address. We would be most grateful to receive this information.

Thoughts on Bishop Dorsey’s Funeralby Very Rev. Paul Wierichs, C.P.

Fathers Damian and Patrick and I went to Orlando for the wake and funeral of our brother Norbert.

The vigil service was held Wednesday night at St. James Cathedral in downtown Orlando. It was a very beautiful service, and after Vespers two friends of Bishop Norbert, Sr. Lucy Vazquez, O.P. and Fr. Paul Henry, gave their reflections.

The following morning, the funeral Mass was held at the Basilica of Mary, Queen of the Universe. It was a beautiful Mass and a wonderful tribute to Norbert.

Walking from the vigil service and the funeral Mass, all I can say is that I felt very proud to be a Passionist. Norbert was beloved by his people and by his clergy. So many diocesan priests came up to me because I was wearing my habit and thanked me for giving them Norbert. In the photo you can see some of the many priests that came to the Mass. I estimate that there must have been 160 priests, seven bishops and archbishops, and many religious men and women along with high school and grammar school children. The music at both the vigil and funeral was extraordinarily well done.

These beautiful and spiritual cards are truly gifts of prayer. Recipients are remembered for one year in the prayers, Masses and good works of

the priests and brothers of the Congregation of the Passion.

Passionist Christmas Cards

Passionist Perpetual Mass Enrollment Cards

Bishop Norbert Dorsey, C.P. (1929-2013)

Fr. Henry Free, C.P.

listen to them you would discover that these men have accomplished great things in their lives.

Take Fr. Henry Free, C.P. as but one example. You would find out that he spent 44 years of his life working in the Philippine Islands as an active missionary.

You would discover Passionist priests who preached parish missions and retreats, who were former Marines and servicemen, pastors, southern and overseas missionaries, canon lawyers, hospital chaplains, superiors, retreat directors, teachers, translators, confessors and counselors. You would also find Passionist Brothers who were chefs, maintenance men, librarians, infirmarians, tailors, Provincial treasurers, pilots, artists, and more.

Yes, things certainly are not always as they seem. Reflecting on the elderly, Pope John Paul II commented: “In the first place, the elderly must be considered in their dignity as persons, which does not diminish with the passing years nor with physical and mental deterioration. It is clear that such a positive view can flourish only in a culture capable of transcending social stereotypes which judge a person’s worth on the basis of youth, efficiency, physical vigor or perfect health. Experience shows that when this positive view breaks down older people are quickly marginalized and condemned to a loneliness which is a kind of social death. And does not the self-esteem of older people depend in large part on how they are

viewed in the family and in society?” (Letter of John Paul II to the President of the Second World Assembly on Ageing – Madrid, 8-12 April 2002)

The most pressing need of the elderly is their need for constant company. They have a need to talk and reminisce. Every person has a story, and you just have to ask. If you are visiting our Monastery, please include in your schedule a little time to chat with one or two of our elderly Passionists.

Fr. Bonaventure Moccia, C.P. Fr. Joseph Guzinski, C.P.

Fr. Owen Lally, C.P.

“One of the good things about

getting older is you find you’re

more interesting than most

of the people you meet.” ~ Lee Marvin

“The great thing

about getting older

is that you don’t lose

all the other ages

you’ve been.”

~ Madeleine L’Engle

The Catholic College of Mandeville Located in the Caribbean island nation of Jamaica, the Catholic College of Mandeville (CCM) was founded in 1992 by the late Bishop Paul Michael Boyle, C.P. Recognizing the fact that several persons were in teaching positions in the Catholic schools without qualification, Bishop Boyle called for the implementation of a program to upgrade teaching skills.

From its humble beginnings in 1993, with a mere 18 students taking five courses, CCM has grown into a well-established tertiary institution with accredited programs. From 1993-2001 it operated out of St. Paul of the Cross High School, Mandeville, as an evening college. In 2001, re-location to 66 Caledonia Road allowed for the introduction of full-time day programs. The College enrollment is now almost 700 students, and it operates by scheduling classes in three sessions from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

CCM was approved by the Catholic Church in 1995, and registered with the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ) in 1997. It has UCJ accreditation to offer degrees in Primary Education. The most recent program introduced by CCM, in 2008, is Master of Education in Teaching and Learning, which is being offered on weekends through a partnership with Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, USA. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the UCJ. Increasing enrollment is characteristic of this program: from 19 graduates in 2010 to 31 in 2011, and now a total of 80 students comprising two cohorts currently enrolled in the program. All facilitators have doctoral degrees and are experienced in teaching. To respond to the need for qualification of early childhood education teachers, in 2011 CCM officially implemented the Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education.

CCM students come from parishes throughout Jamaica. Based on entry requirements and a written and oral assessment, students are accepted irrespective of creed or social status. Faculty and staff are well qualified and experienced in the field of education, especially teaching.

The main focus thus far for CCM has been in the field of Primary Education. Among its diploma and degree offerings are elective courses (Reading, Special Education, Guidance & Counselling, Mathematics, Science,Social Studies and Information Technology) which enhance the training of the prospective teachers as they prepare for today’s classroom. CCM is now introducing short courses in the above areas and others as determined by a recent needs analysis.

Over the past five years the challenge for CCM has been inadequate space, and surroundings incompatible with the atmosphere of college-quality education. Thus, construction of a new college campus in Williamsfield, Manchester was begun in April 2011. This presents a major challenge for CCM, which must depend on fundraising efforts to provide the necessary capital. Although CCM has been unable to complete two out of eleven buildings, the College since January 2013 has occupied the site. Relocation to the New Campus has provided upgraded, expanded facilities in a beautiful rural setting, thus supporting the efforts of the college to assure quality education at reasonable cost, in keeping with its Mission.

The CCM Mission Statement also emphasizes that the programs are offered in a Catholic Christian atmosphere, based on a philosophy which calls for ethical and moral standards and where civic pride and loyalty to country are fostered.

It is the hope of CCM that the new campus will allow for further development of programs and resources in response to the needs of our times, and also will enhance teaching practice, which in turn will impact the academic lives of children, hence the future of our Jamaican society. CCM is about nation building!

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Bishop Norbert M. Dorsey, C.P. Bishop Dorsey died on February 21, 2013 at 8:30 p.m. in Orlando, FL after a long battle with cancer.

He was born Leonard James Dorsey on December 14, 1929 in Springfield, MA. Leonard attended Holy Cross Seminary in Dunkirk, NY, from 1946-1948 and pronounced his vows as a Passionist with the religious name of Norbert on August 15, 1949. He studied philosophy and theology in Jamaica, NY and Union City, NJ, obtaining a Masters Degree in Theology before being ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Cuthbert O’Gara, C.P., on April 28, 1956, at St. Michael’s Monastery in Union City.

After his ordination, he studied Sacred Eloquence for a year in West Springfield before going on to study in Munich, London, and Rome. He held the degrees of Maestro from the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music, and Doctor of Sacred Theology from the Gregorian University. He was a composer of music.

Upon returning to the United States in 1960, Fr. Dorsey undertook a series of ministries as an educator and director of formation. Throughout those years, he was a popular preacher of parish missions and retreats for the laity, religious, and clergy throughout the United States and Canada. In 1976, while serving as an American delegate to the international General Chapter of the Passionists, Fr. Dorsey was elected Assistant General of the Passionists worldwide, and re-elected in 1982. Based in Rome, he shared the life and experience of the Church in five continents during his periodic “Visitations” to most of the 52 countries where the Passionists are established.

On January 10, 1986, Pope John Paul II nominated Fr. Dorsey Titular Bishop of Mactaris and

Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Miami. He was consecrated by Archbishop Edward J. McCarthy at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Miami on March 19, 1986. In Miami, Bishop Dorsey served as Vicar General and Executive Director of the Ministry of Persons.

Bishop Dorsey was installed as the third bishop of Orlando on May 25, 1990. During his episcopacy, the Diocese grew from 216,000 to almost 400,000 Catholics. Bishop Dorsey established four new parishes and

a mission, and oversaw the construction of many new churches and schools throughout the Diocese. In 1996 Bishop Dorsey gathered 11,000 people together for the first Diocesan-wide celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. On this memorable day, Catholics came together from near and far to show their unity and passion for their faith. Soon after the 9/11 attacks in 2001, Bishop Dorsey established the Blue Mass, an annual celebration of the gifts of public safety personnel, in the Diocese of Orlando. In 2004 he established Bishop Grady Villas, a 10-acre residential community in St. Cloud for adults with disabilities. Bishop Dorsey spoke several languages, including Spanish, Italian, French, and Creole.

Pope John Paul II accepted Bishop Dorsey’s letter of retirement on November 13, 2004.

His motto was “Love is Ingenious,” taken from the Rule of the Passionist Congregation, written by St. Paul of the Cross. For all of his accomplishments listed above, Bishop Dorsey was a gentle but ardent servant of the Gospel. His heralding of Christ to the “holy and beautiful people of God” echoes in the hearts of many who knew him. We are grateful to God, who made Bishop Dorsey an Apostle and gave him to us as our shepherd and precious friend.

Most Reverend Norbert M. Dorsey, C.P., Bishop of Orlando (1929-2013)

The new campus under construction.

“The great thing

about getting older

all the other ages

you’ve been.”

“The great thing

about getting older

all the other ages

you’ve been.”

— from —

FA LL/ W INTER 2013

MADE IN THE U.S.A.

Pope Francis

— from —

FA LL/ W INTER 2013

MADE IN THE U.S.A.

Pope Francis

passionist new fall/winter 2013

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