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Inner State: Passionist Life in North Belfast
North Belfast is a community that has seen immense trauma over the past century – defined by political forces beyond its control.
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To Illumine the Mind: the Catholic diaspora in Paris
In Paris, Martin Coffey leads a church overflowing with working class immigrants. The picture of religion in France, he tells us, is not what you think.
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Stations of the Cross in Palestine
In Passionist spirituality, the Stations of the Cross are a journey transcending time: repeating in everyday suffering, especially now in Gaza.
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A parable to remind us that resistance matters, even in mundane things
Paul McGowan, from our friends at Pax Christi, re-examines the well-trodden 'Parable of the Talents'. What is this is not a lesson about 'gifts', but a story about collaboration and resistance?
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Positive Faith present a World Aids Day service, ‘The Reason for Hope’
Reflections, music and scripture as well as opportunities for sharing on this World Aids Day online service.
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Dust to Dust: Passionist Life in Haiti
In Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Fr Rick Frechette has been the cornerstone of a Passionist community all giving their lives for the beleaguered nation.
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Join our livestreamed seminar sessions at our ‘Contemplating the Passion’ conference
See the full list of talks at this year's week-long seminar, and tune in on YouTube.
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Bodies on the Line: A Clarion for Christians
An exclusive extract from Rev'd Sue Parfitt's new book on Christians, Civil Resistance and the Climate Crisis - out soon via Lab/ora Press.
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Walking Ancient Paths to the Future: Eight Things
Lya Vollering shares eight concluding lessons from ninety-six days spent walking the Via Francigena.
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Thanks for following Lya on her journey along the Via Francigena to Rome. Here she shares her reflections on the final week of her eco-pilgrimage.
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Lya Vollering details her thirteenth week walking along the Via Francigena, through Italian towns full of history.
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Experiences of Passionist prayer, pt. 3: Joanne Crompton
How do we pray? What role does prayer take in our lives? We asked three people pursuing a Passionist spirituality how their sense of prayer has changed over time.
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On the twelfth week walking along the Via Francigena, Lya Vollering reflects on the trail of lost belongings she's left behind..
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We read the gospel as if we had no money (an extract from ‘Sabbath Economics’)
Ched Myers' beloved collection of essays grappling with justice, scarcity, and the economics of enough is back in print via our friends at Lab/ora Press.
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The Power of Peer Support: an ethic of friendship amongst people living with HIV
For people living with HIV, stigma often keeps them away from churches, yet the clinical setting fails to meet their spiritual and pastoral needs. This is where Positive Faith's peer support ministry begins.
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On the eleventh week of her pilgrimage along the Via Francigena, Lya Vollering takes solace in the harmony and peace of a simple, unadorned church.
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Experiences of Passionist prayer, pt. 2: Bishop William Kenney
How do we pray? What role does prayer take in our lives? We asked three people pursuing a Passionist spirituality how their sense of prayer has changed over time.
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As she tackles the tenth week of her pilgrimage along the Via Francigena, Lya Vollering reflects on elastic time, industrial landscapes and the characters she encounters.
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Experiences of Passionist prayer, pt. 1: Michael O’Halloran
How do we pray? What role does prayer take in our lives? We asked three people pursuing a Passionist spirituality how their sense of prayer has changed over time.
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Lya arrives in Aosta in the Italian Alps, having descended from the breath-taking heights and not without some moments of frustration.
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On her eighth week along the Via Francigena, Lya Vollering reflects on joy, gratitude, the 'unreal' focus of our societies, and letting go.
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Refugee Christians are searching for the community seen in Acts. Where is it?
I knew mass wasn't what Ahmed was looking for. He was looking for the incarnate day-to-day-expression of the Eucharist. He was looking for Christian community.
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On her seventh week along the Via Francigena, Lya Vollering appreciates the vibrancy of Switzerland and catches sight of the Alps.
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Grappling with our questions about the cross (from ‘Why the Cross?’)
An extract from Don Senior CP's 'Why the Cross? Understanding the Shape of the Christian Life': diving into the many questions that the cross presents, even for sincere believers.
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Positive Faith champion the Power of Peer Support, in London
PositiveFaith present an afternoon on the Power of Peer Support for those living with HIV, on June 15th. Free, and welcome to all.
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On her sixth week along the Via Francigena, Lya Vollering reflects on the tarmac, barley fields, and the nature of being a 'traveller'.
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Practising prayerful presence, in Finsbury Park: an interview with Br Johannes Maertens
For London Catholic Worker, Henrietta Cullinan interviews Br Johannes Maertens about his practise of pastoral ministry, meeting people in Finsbury Park.
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Honest questions on race, diversity and privilege in the climate movement
Join Paul Bodenham for an online workshop facing up to the questions of privilege in the climate movement, and how we might respond together.
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On her fifth week along the Via Francigena, Lya Vollering reflects on the nature of love, and her fears about the future.
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Retreat on a Journey of Celtic Spirituality with the Northern Saints
Spend a week at the idyllic Minsteracres to connect with nature, spirituality and the iconic locations of Aidan, Oswald, Hilde and more.
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On her fourth week along the Via Francigena, Lya joins up with friends, reflecting on the canals and architecture she finds along the way.
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On her third week along the Via Francigena, Lya feels at home among the wild flowers, while keenly aware of a daunting emptiness in the nature around her.
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Blessed are (all) those who are persecuted in the cause of right
Are there limits to solidarity, when there is honest disagreement on tactics or principle? Fr Martin Newell suggests we should err on the side of supporting one another.
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On her second week along the Via Francigena, Lya reflects on the wild, land ownership, and submits to the need for new walking shoes.

Listen to the award-winning documentary on AIDS activist Fr Bernárd Lynch
'Falsely Accused', by Padraic Flaherty, follows Fr Bernárd Lynch's story including his ministry at the height of the AIDS pandemic, and his US trial on false charges.
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Fr Donald Senior’s ‘profound, imaginative’ study on the cross: pre-order
We are proud to be bringing back into print the late Fr Donald Senior's book 'Why the Cross? Understanding the Shape of the Christian Life', through Lab/ora Press.
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Christian approaches to unsustainable clothing practices — a Green Christian workshop
On Wednesday 3rd May, join Tim Cooper for a workshop on the ethical decisions and uncertainties that Christians face.
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Dive into the life of Ruth First, and ‘Black Gold’, with London Mining Book Club
Join London Mining Network on May 17th to honour the life, work, and legacy of the anti-apartheid activist Ruth First.
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On her first week along the Via Francigena, Lya stays with Catholic Worker Calais, and faces the realities of the walk ahead.
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Walking an Ancient Path to the Future
Lya Vollering begins her pilgrimage along the Via Francigena, as an act of ecological witness in the midst of our climate crisis.
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Join The Big One: massive climate protest from April 21st
The protest hopes to gather 100,000 people outside Parliament, to convey to the government the reality of people's concerns around climate justice.
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Passio Magazine Issue #11 – Pick up a limited-edition copy now
Our twice-a-year Passio Magazine - the journal of Passionist life - is back, with our Lent 2023 issue.
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Look inside Catholic Worker Farm at their June open day
Meet the team and learn all about their work supporting asylum seekers with no recourse to public funds.
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Global activists and community representatives speak out about Rio Tinto’s damaging practices
Join London Mining Network to hear how mining corporation Rio Tinto is disrupting livelihoods and destroying ecosystems.
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A reflection on Jesus’ Holy Week nonviolence, with author and activist John Dear
Our friend Fr John Dear presents a Zoom session reflecting on 'Jesus' Holy Week Nonviolence' and what that spirit of nonviolence means for us today.
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Life as a volunteer in Maria Skobtsova House, Calais
Two women, Jenna and Clara, share their recent experience as volunteers with our partners, Catholic Worker Calais.
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A society which forces people to wait (from ‘Passion for the Inner City’)
An extract from Austin Smith's 'Passion for the Inner City': the psychological violence of 'waiting' which the powerless in our societies experience.
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Austin Smith’s reflections on inner-city monasticism — republished
Now freshly re-edited and reformatted, 'Passion for the Inner City' is the first publication to be released by the Passionists' brand new book imprint, Lab/ora Press
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Passionists featured on BBC Radio: Keeping Faith at Easter
Catch the Passionist contributions to this BBC Radio programme from Fr Martin Newell and Fr Nicholas Postlethwaite.
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Common Era: The Justice at the Heart of God (S2 Episode 06)
In the final episode of this season, we return to an ongoing theme: what does a just society really look like, and how can we get there?
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Common Era: Does Punishment Even Work? (S2 Episode 05)
If the prison system we've created is ultimately a failure, what kind of approach could take its place?
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Common Era: A Church That Gives Up Power (S2 Episode 04)
We should expect the church to go further in its action against racism; will we give up comfort and power to address the sins of the past?
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Passio Magazine #9: Get a free print copy
We recently sent out our Lent edition of Passio magazine. There are limited print copies available, but you can still request a (free!) copy.
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Common Era: Racism is Not What You Think (S2 Episode 03)
Racism is a distinct idea from prejudice—in our latest podcast episode, Matshidiso and Annmarie Lewis consider better ways of talking about it.
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Common Era: What Does Justice Mean? (S2 Episode 02)
Annmarie and Matshidiso talk about a Biblical view of both justice and fairness, how these have influenced our legal systems, and yet how they might differ from what we expect.
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Common Era: The Road to Justice (S2 Episode 01)
Our podcast Common Era returns with new guests—discussing the journey towards working in the justice space, and the importance of representation.
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Art and activism: Water Rising and So Are We
Lya Vollering, from Minsteracres Eco-Community, reflects on her involvement in a performance art piece this year.
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Refugees in Calais share their dreams around the fire
Alex Holmes, from our Partners at Catholic Worker Calais, listens to the dreams of refugees waiting in the Calais camp.
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Can your community help resettle a refugee family?
If you long to be a participant, not an observer, in helping our refugee crisis, there are practical and transformative ways to help.
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Young people are rising to the moment – in the hope leaders will do the same
Matthew Neville, from our friends at FaithJustice, shares his experience of organising and walking a section of the COP26 pilgrimage alongside the Young Christian Climate Network.
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Snapshots of life from The Learning Refuge in Paphos, Cyprus
Mary Chojnowski shares stories of refugees' lives in the Paphos region of Cyprus.
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Common Era: Funeral Rites (S1 Episode 07)
Episode 7 of our podcast series. What is coming to an end at this time? How can we hold healthy funerals, and become good stewards of change?
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Common Era: Pressures of Past and Future (S1 Episode 06)
Episode 6 of our podcast series. What does it feel like to be on the threshold of change - to be living at significant moments in time?
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Common Era: Changed by the Margins (S1 Episode 05)
Episode 5 of our podcast series. How do we step outside our known world, and see it anew through the eyes of those on the margins of society?
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Common Era: Monks, Orders and Rules (S1 Episode 04)
Episode 4 of our podcast series. What's the history of monastic orders? Where and how does it connect with 'new monasticism'?
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Common Era: The Silk Road of Spiritualities (S1 Episode 3)
Episode 3 of our podcast series. Between different faith groups, there now seems to be deep desires to learn from each others' wisdom, without worrying about membership. What's caused this, and where's it headed?
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Common Era: Old Decline and New Growth (S1 Episode 2)
Episode 2 of our podcast series. Is there a bigger story to be found behind the sense of decline felt by some faith traditions? What positive visions of the future could we find in place of those anxieties?
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Common Era: Everything is Changing (S1 Episode 1)
Episode 1 of our new podcast series. What does this current time of change mean for spiritual communities? How are the traditions that we call 'home' changing?
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Holding onto hope on the relay towards COP26
Activist Molly Clark shares her experiences on Day 1 of Young Christian Climate Network's 1,000-mile relay walk.
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How I founded the first daily online Catholic news service in the UK
Jo Siedlecka, from our Passionist partners Independent Catholic News, explains how the popular news site came to be, and where it could be going next.
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We can all help empower and affirm those on a dementia journey
This Dementia Action Week, please do what you can to reach out to those in your community who may be affected by a dementia-type illness.
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Remembering the Life of John Kearns CP
John served the crucified of today, and was a true example of servant leadership. Like Saint Paul, John saw the name of Jesus written on the forehead of the poor.
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With great sadness of heart, we announce Fr. John Kearns’ passing
Our beloved brother and friend Fr. John Kearns died on April 14th 2021, in the company of his loved ones.
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We need to see, and understand, a God who suffers with us
In the face of life's evil and suffering, it is only possible to believe in a loving God, if that God is ‘on the scaffold’ too, alongside us.
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Hidden in the criminal justice system is the uncomfortable truth that no-one is ‘good’ or ‘bad’
From the outside, criminal justice stories divide the world into 'good' and 'bad'. But inside, we must constantly consider the mystery of the whole person.
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Will we give up our certainty and comfort to meet God among the suffering?
Humanity is waiting for those who will find their lives - and find God - by leaving institutions behind and joining the powerless.
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Being and suffering with others helps us to understand the love of God
Standing at the foot of the cross may seem fruitless, but it is important, and significant. To speak this way is to speak of a deep unity, a deep communion, with others.
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Calais refugee life is filled with the power of words
Alex Holmes, from our Partners at Catholic Worker Calais, shares snapshots of Calais refugee life.
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As Fr Ignatius Spencer is declared ‘venerable’, his life remains an inspiration and challenge
Why is the canonisation of Ignatius Spencer important? His life, and dedication to the poor, are an outstanding example to all of us.
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Anxiety makes us grasp for control – but that can’t be the answer
Who could be blamed for struggling with anxiety in the current moment? But clutching at control doesn't allow much space for God.
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Crisis intervention is laudable and necessary. But it’s not enough.
People will very often fall back into coping mechanisms once crisis intervention support has been taken away. We must provide everyday love and support to those people whose lives are in turmoil, and remind them of the God who loves them.
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Austin Smith House, a House of Hospitality for destitute asylum seekers
In this interview from 2015, Fr Martin Newell and Fr John Kearns discuss how they set up Austin Smith House in Sparkhill, Birmingham
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The year of Coronavirus gave me a glimpse of how it feels to be ‘labelled’
Being classified as vulnerable affected how I thought about myself. For the first time in my life I felt useless, unnecessary.
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Loving my neighbour means letting go of total control in my life
Having the courage to let go of my ideas, prejudices and perceived control - and become more compassionate - is where my humanity likes to engage in a tug-of-war.
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Politics in action can be ugly, but we can’t retreat from it
If we want to be involved in society, if we want to form community, we have a duty to notice what is happening on the structural scale, not just the personal.
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Becoming aware of the goodness around us
At times it seems we are pre-disposed to focus on faults in the world, rather than all the goodness that is there.
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Engaging with race in the Catholic Worker movement
Our Passionist Partners at London Catholic Worker ask: how can houses of hospitality avoid 'white saviour' complexes, and engage with the Black Lives Matter movement?
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A Message from Pope Francis on the Passionists’ 300 year Jubilee
As Passionists celebrate 300 years of the life of the Congregation, Pope Francis circulated a letter to the Passionists worldwide.
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Life and Death on the Border of the UK
Alex Holmes, from Catholic Worker Calais, presents snapshots of life from the forgotten camps of the Calais 'jungle'.
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Climate change, like Covid-19, is linked to racism
From Green Christian: Global warming and environmental degradation will have a devastating impact on people of colour before others.
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Imagining the Minsteracres Walled Garden in 2025…
Our Passionist partners at Minsteracres share their vision for the Eco-Community's Walled Garden in 5 years' time.
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For Passionists here in England, Black Lives Matter
"As I reflect on who we are and have been as Passionists here in England, I feel sure that for us this statement is deeply real."
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The Passionists of the past were no strangers to pandemics
Many before us risked, and lost, their lives to minister to the sick and suffering.
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Playing our part, doing the work: challenging the deep virus of racism
There may be no silver bullet to eradicate racism - but we can contribute to many and multiple actions in that direction.
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Supporting those with HIV, in the age of COVID-19
How can we respond to the many distinct signs of suffering appearing in the wake of COVID-19?
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Green Christian is embracing the current age as an ecological Passiontide
The Chair of Green Christian explains the organisation's approach in the current age.
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Non-violent resistance as a Passionist principle
How are non-violence and pacifism, and specifically the non-violent love of the Cross, 'good news' for those on the margins of society?
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Dominic Barberi, the ‘saint’ attacked on England’s streets
In the 1800s, Blessed Dominic Barberi endured insults and even physical attacks as he walked the streets in Passionist attire.
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Non-Violent Stations of the Cross
Catholic Workers demonstrate the non-violent love of Jesus through demonstrating the Stations of the Cross in London, including Passionist Fr Martin Newell cp.
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Holy Saturday: Christ’s Descent into Hell
Holy Saturday: that gap between Cross and Resurrection has been imagined in Christian Traditions as that time when Jesus goes down into Hell to free the souls of all those whom he loves, to lead them to light and life.
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A Church of Proximity: Learning to give, and share, to serve others
A response to empty shelves, and the human proclivity to panic buy and hoard at the expense of others.
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The Prophet Jeremiah reminds us about the deceitfulness of the human heart (17:9), the rupture of that original connection which facilitates humanity’s capacity for endless self-rejection.
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Being and Praying in this time of the Coronavirus
Guidelines and prayers for your help in this difficult time.
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Remembering the life of Fr. Christopher Kelly CP
Fr. Chris went to his eternal reward, just one week short of his 101st birthday. He passed away peacefully at Nazareth House Nursing Home in North London.
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Celebrating our Patron: St. Joseph and Blessed Dominic Barberi
On 19th March we celebrate the Feast Day of St. Joseph who is the Patron of our Passionist Province. On this day we also bring to an end our novena for the cause of Blessed Dominic Barberi.
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“Be Transformed by the Renewal of Your Mind” – A Lenten Message from Fr. Joachim Rego
A Lenten message from the Superior General of the worldwide Passionist Congregation.
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Prophetic Trajectories of Hope from San Salvador to Liverpool
A speech by David McLoughlin celebrates the overlooked work of the 'Liverpool three' and considers the mantle on offer to us today.
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Catholics for Aids Prevention and Support: the last pastoral frontline
Ageing and long-term effects are emerging as issues for the HIV positive community. CAPS are the last remaining charity responding to pastoral and spiritual needs.
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Remembering the life of Fr. John Sherrington CP
A long time ago, someone said that to understand John Sherrington, you always have to remember that he was an artist first.
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Ignatius, Censorship and Skullduggery in Rome
A closer look at Ignatius Spencer's life and legacy - and how it might have been stifled.
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At the Movies: ‘The Two Popes’
A look at Fernando Meirelles's cinematic imagining of Pope Benedict XVI's retirement.
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Our pledge to solidarity with the Crucified Earth
Raising the alarm in a spirit of repentance for our complicity in sins against God's earth and God's poor.
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The Cross and Passion Sisters: Walking with the Crucified
A truly Passionist experience in Botswana which changed the lives of the Sisters.
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Honouring the work of our friend and patron, Blessed Dominic Barberi
An homily from Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham, given at the Mass for Blessed Dominic Barberi at Sutton Shrine.
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Exploring art, spirituality and suffering at Minsteracres
Community of the Passion members Lya Vollering and John Thornhill co-ordinated a small exhibition of art exploring the themes of 'Love and Suffering'.
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Calais Red, Calais White, Calais Blue: A Poem
"His orange tent is now a small shrine, red sanctuary light burning, a dozen small candles flickering."
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An Interview with Brother Johannes Maertens, monk and missionary
A dive into Brother Johannes' work in Calais, and with refugees in London today.
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FaithJustice, a new project for young adults supporting justice issues
The FaithJustice network has continued to grow and develop since its inception last year. Find out how you can get involved.
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“We always mention you in our prayers and thank God for you all”
It is right that we remember the moment in Blessed Dominic’s priestly ministry for which he is most widely known - the reception of Blessed John Henry Newman into full communion with the Catholic Church.
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Remembering the life of Fr. Tim Cullen CP
Fr. Tim Cullen CP was one of the first few Passionists who moved into Minsteracres after the Silvertop Family sold the estate to the Congregation in 1949.
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Celebrating 40 Years as a Passionist Priest
John’s life as a Passionist priest has been a diverse one, including many years working as a road-sweeper as a ‘worker priest’.
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All Hands on Deck: Churches to Declare Eco-Emergency
A national climate and environmental emergency has been declared in the UK Parliament. Green Christian calls on church denominations and their governing bodies to play their part.
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Spotlight on… Community Member Anne Atherton
An introduction to Anne Atherton, a member of the Community of the Passion.
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Fr Martin in Court after Arms Fair Protest
Passionist Priest Fr Martin Newell was in court yesterday after being arrested last week for a peace protest at the DPRTE (Department of Procurement, Research, Technology, Exportability) Arms Fair in Farnham.
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HIV Diagnosis: A Gethsemane Experience
Considering the experience of an HIV diagnosis through the Cross, and the lens of Passionist spirituality.
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Recommended Reading: ‘Binding the Strongman’, Ched Myers
Martin Newell reflects on one of his key inspirations for seeing the ministry of Jesus through the perspective of non-violent activism.
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The Real Face of Jesus? Passionists Exhibit at Flame
Approximately 9,000 young Catholics converged on Wembley’s SSE Arena for the annual ‘Flame’ youth event, the theme of which this year was ‘Significance’.
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A Brief History of the Passionists, from St Paul of the Cross to Today
From their origins, known as 'The Poor of Jesus', up to today, Passionists have followed a semi-monastic life centred around the revelation of God's love.
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Climate & The Passion of the Earth
We are crucifying God's earth, creating ongoing climate change that will cause disasters that, to make a massive understatement, would completely undermine any practical good work otherwise done. But we can still repent.
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Rebellion and Arrest at ER’s Campaign of Respectful Disruption
Last week Passionist Priest Martin Newell was arrested as he took part in part in the Extinction Rebellion protests in Central London.
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Crucified Earth, Crucified People: The Photographs of Sean Hawkey
Documentary photographer Sean Hawkey presents a compelling portrait of the crucified God amid his people.
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Learning to Read the Book of the Universe
We need to go to where Christ is suffering in the whole of creation. Where do we start?
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Peace House & Carriers of Hope: Walking with the Crucified
Powerful work 'welcoming the stranger' by two organisations in Coventry.
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We are called to stand up for what we believe in – at a personal cost
Reflections on the 'daily martyrdom' of averting evil
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Blessed Dominic and the Growth of the Passionist Order in England
A documentary about the role of Blessed Dominic and the growth of the Passionist order in England, and of the Passionist monastery in Sutton, St Helen's.
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Fr Martin Newell: Solidarity with the crucified of today
Fr Martin Newell talks about his background in the Catholic Worker movement, his commitment to solidarity with the 'crucified of today' and what daily life looks like in Austin Smith house in Birmingham living with six asylum seekers.
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Fr Nicholas Postlethwaite: What being a Passionist means to me
"We should be evangelised by those who have very little." Fr Nicholas reveals what being a Passionist means to him, and especially the influence that Fr Austin Smith had on him.
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The Anti-Apartheid Movement and John Sherrington CP
A documentary originally aired on Channel 4. In the 1980’s, a Passionist played a key but secret role in the anti-apartheid movement.
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My Small Way of Being in Solidarity: Reflections on Prison
An interview with Fr Martin Newell around his experiences of imprisonment for peaceful protests.