Once a Passionist: The Story of Passionist Alumni

Those present on 9th November 2002 will agree that the Bulletin captured the spirit and significance of the ‘Get-Together’ which took place. It was a gathering of those of us who once were Passionist, alongside members of the Mount Argus Community. This gathering arose from an initiative of the then-Provincial, Fr Martin Coffey CP who had invited Sean Goan and myself to a meeting to explore ways in which former Passionists might continue to contribute to the life and mission of the Congregation. 

The gathering was also intended as a simple reunion, acknowledging the shared history of priests, brothers, and students who had once lived the Passionist way of life. This was a very generous initiative from the Passionists, and the hand extended was warmly and gratefully accepted in that same spirit.

While some apprehension existed in advance, this quickly dissipated upon arrival. The atmosphere was welcoming and affirming, making the gathering a memorable and positive experience for all present.

In fact, prior to November 2002, a number of former Passionists had been meeting informally, united by a shared spirituality and charism. As a result, an informal mailing list already existed, and formed the basis to issue invitations to the gathering. At that time, the list included 89 names, their locations ranging from the UK to New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and beyond. Forty-three attended the initial meeting, while many others expressed strong interest and requested ongoing updates.

That first gathering became the foundation of what is now known as the Passionist Alumni. Over the past 24 years, the group has continued to meet in an open and supportive environment that encourages honest reflection and shared experience of belonging, rooted in shared Passionist formation.

“These gatherings have helped to unburden feelings of sadness, or perceived estrangement, and have replaced them with gratitude and acceptance.”

As this group has developed it is unquestionably clear that it is much more than a meeting of ‘old friends’. While the reunions naturally include friendship and nostalgia, they also provide space for meaningful discussion about life after leaving the Congregation and how individuals have shaped new paths forward. The warm welcome consistently extended by the Passionist community has been central to this experience. 

Reunions naturally include shared stories and memories, but they also reveal a deeper desire to belong to a wider Passionist family. For many, the opportunity to reflect on leaving the Congregation and reshaping their lives has been both affirming and healing, and that has been very important.

The gatherings have helped to unburden feelings of sadness or perceived estrangement and have replaced them with gratitude, acceptance, and renewed connection. These moments—sometimes marked by both tears and joy—have had a profound impact on many involved. On these occasions it was a blessing to witness the warm welcome and deep embrace which was received from all present Passionists. 

Twenty-four years on from that first meeting in 2002, the Alumni continues to show a strong appetite for news and updates related to Passionist life, events, and celebrations. While not all members attend gatherings, many value staying connected and informed.

Communication is maintained through email and a private Facebook group, established and managed to ensure confidentiality and respectful engagement. It is not a public site and therefore can only be accessed by members. This forum allows members to share news, mark significant anniversaries, and remember those who have had a lasting influence on their lives. It reflects a shared belief that those who shaped their Passionist journey should be honoured and never forgotten. They meant so much to us in life that we can never forget them in death.

The Passionist Alumni hold a common bond of Passionist spirituality and the Charism of St Paul of the Cross. It is this which motivates and unites those of us that maintain contact. At each gathering, there is a distinct sense of connection—rooted in shared spirituality, mutual support, and a deep respect for the Passionist charism of St Paul of the Cross. 

Members come from diverse backgrounds and professions, yet remain united by a common formation and outlook on life. That bond originated and developed from our time shared in community with the Passionist Congregation. Within the Alumni we discuss and acknowledge a religious dimension to our lives, and with many and varied careers together with the normal challenges of everyday life, the group can seek to address the competing objectives within our lives. Many believe that their time within the Passionist Congregation has shaped them positively. This is expressed not in arrogance, but in gratitude and pride for the values and experiences gained, and in deep respect for the priests and brothers who continue the Passionist mission.

The Alumni continues to be united by Passionist spirituality and the charism of St Paul of the Cross. Members take pride in their formation and hold deep respect for the Passionist Congregation. There is also a growing awareness of the skills, experience and goodwill within the group, and an openness to exploring how these might support the ongoing mission of the Province and the Passionist way of life. There is a real desire to be part of a ‘wider Passionist family’ and the challenge is, to explore ways in which to give expression to this idea, this association and in doing so promote the Passionist Congregation. Now today the challenge is to explore the future of this Group and how to express the Passionist mission in a new form by way of our association.

So, perhaps 24 years later we can add to the heading inspired by Fr Frank Keevins CP : Once a Passionist… always the spirit of a Passionist at heart.