The document provides an overview of the Passionist religious order, founded by St. Paul of the Cross in 1741. It discusses their charism of keeping alive the memory of Christ's Passion and their commitment to social justice issues. Members take a special fourth vow to this end. The order engages in preaching, missions, retreats and social ministries. Their spirituality centers on contemplating Christ's suffering and standing in solidarity with those who suffer today.

1. The Impact of the Cross in the World TodaySession 1. A Passion for Life

2. Who are the Passionist?Passionist CharismCatholic Social TraditionCommunity of CompassionPassionist SpiritualityPresentation Points

3. A Catholic Religious CommunityContemplative Charism: devoted to the memory of the PassionApostolic Ministry: Preachers, Missions, Social Ministries, Spiritual Direction and Retreat MinistriesFounded by St. Paul of the Cross in 1741Religious community of Men, Women (Sisters and cloistered Nuns) and various lay associations.Over 2,000 Passionist vowed men throughout the world in 59 countries spanning 5 continents.Who Are the Passionist?

4. St. Paul of the CrossBorn 1694: Died 1775

5. A famous mystic and preacher

6. Founded the Passionist in 1741

7. Ministry included

8. Preaching Mission,

9. Founded Retreats,

10. Spiritual Direction

11. Community leadershipSt. Paul of the CrossPursued Justice

12. As this true disciple of his Divine Master, all love and charity, could not do alone what he wished for the poor, he labored in their favor as much as he could, making use of the opportunities that the giving of holy missions and similar employments afforded him…. He grieved deeply when the poor were abandoned.St. Paul of the CrossWe ought to be grateful and correspond to his divine benefits by loving justice, truth, and exercising charity and the works of mercy towards our neighbor, especially to the poor.

13. Passionist Rules and Constitutions, #65We Passionists make the Paschal Mystery the center of our lives.This entails a loving commitment to follow Jesus Crucified, and a generous resolve to proclaim His Passion and death with faith and love.

14. Passionist Rules and Constitutions, #65His Passion and death are no mere historical events. They are ever-present realities to people in the world of today, "crucified" as they are by injustice, by the lack of a deep respect for human life, and by a hungry yearning for peace, truth, and the fullness of human existence.

15. Passionist CharismThe Fourth Vow: Keeping alive the memory of the PassionMotto: May the Passion of Jesus be ever in our hearts

16. A Special VowWhy promise to do something like this? The answer lies with the meaning of the cross and death of Jesus Christ for the world…Fr. Don Senior, CP

17. A Special VowJesus' death on the cross was a death in the cause of justice. He was executed because he challenged accepted values. He sided with the poor and the outcasts. He condemned oppressive structures. Jesus was a prophet and prophets meet strong opposition.

18. A Special VowHis cross reminds us that Christians must listen to the cries of the poor. We are in solidarity with those whom society may forget or even exploit. The cross is a sign of justice. To remind the world about the cross is to challenge the world for its injustice and neglect. Passionists are pledged to that challenge.

19. A Special VowFinally, remembering the cross means remembering those in the world who bear the cross today: the disabled, the sick, the dying, the grieving, those isolated and alone -- all who bear the burden of pain.

20. Catholic Social TraditionScripture and the Early Christian communityDecalogue- Legal relationship to God and neighborMatthew 25- Judgment is based on social responsibility to the poor and neglectedBeatitudes, Communal Life, Pauline correspondenceSocial reform movements ApologeticsPeace of God Movement (9th and 10th century)Religious reform movements (Cistercians, Mendicants, Passionist and Redemptorist )

21. Catholic Social Teaching1891 – Pope Leo XIII wrote RerumNovarumPapal Encyclicals:1931 – Quadragesimo Anno – Pope Pius XI1961 – Mater et Magistra– Pope John XXIII1963 – Pacem In Terris– Pope John XXIII1967 – PopulorumProgressio– Pope Paul VI1987 – SollicitudoReiSocialis: - Pope John Paul II1995 – Evangelium Vitae – Pope John Paul II2009 – Caritas in Veritate – Pope Benedict XVIVatican II – Gaudium et Spes1971 Synod of Bishops – Justice in the WorldU.S. BishopsThe Challenge of Peace, 1983Economic Justice for All, 1986Renewing the Earth, 1991

22. Catholic Social PrinciplesLife and Dignity of the Human PersonCall to Family, Community, and ParticipationRights and ResponsibilitiesOption for the Poor and VulnerableThe Dignity of Work and the Rights of WorkersSolidarityCare for God’s Creation