Letter 61 – Paul Traynor – Passionist Family

Morena/ Good Morning Passionist Family Group members and friends,

The Road to Emmaus Gospel encourages us to be awake as we walk the road being open to see Jesus in others, in the events, people, experiences, the natural world, and the universe.

To this end, we join with the Passionists in the Holy Spirit Province (Australia/New Zealand/New Guinea/Vietnam) in this opportunity to thank and congratulate Fr Jeff Foale CP, on the occasion of his 70^th Anniversary of Religious Profession, 65 years ordained and celebrated his 90^th birthday. What a wonderful example to all of us for his dedicated commitment to discipleship, in walking with Jesus

So, Jeff’s story is certainly something the Passionist Family can draw inspiration and learning from.

He conducted many years to missionary service in Papua New Guinea, worked with refuges in Australia for which he was awarded the Australian Honours, two terms on the Passionist General Council, pioneer and president of Passionist International – our Passionist Family Presence at the U.N., and then these last years dedicated to our Passionist mission in Vietnam.

In Vietnam, always a wise elder, Jeff still does all the financial books, and is Student Formator for the final professed students whose academic studies are coming to conclusion. He has made the choice to stay in Vietnam.

This is a good example when working in our communities. Many people say, I am too old to undertake any coordination, leadership and we can get on the road; “I don’t need to go out I have my family group and that is enough”. Yet, Jeff’s life suggests there is always more we can do, to support, to encourage others to find Jesus. On the road, you never know who you are going to meet and that meeting might change the rest of your life. As I have said, I don’t see any retirement age in the scriptures. We work to bring others to Jesus. Like today’s gospel, sharing our grief, sorrow, pains, losses and be open to hear the words of kindness, looks of compassion and voices of forgiveness.” I shall pass this way but once and if there is any good I can do let me do it now for I may never pass this way again.

Ng Mihi, Paul

Scripture reflection: Third Sunday of Easter Year A, 23 April 2023.

And their eyes were opened and they recognised him

LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading: Acts 2:14, 22-33
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 15(16):1-2, 5, 7-11
Second reading: 1 Peter 1:17-21
Gospel: Luke 24:13-35
Link to readings – click here

The readings for this week are full of reminders of what Jesus’s resurrection has brought for us. Joy, Glory, Praise, Hope and Faith are all woven through each reading, inviting us to share again in the Eastertide celebration.

In the First Reading, Peter reminds the crowd that, in spite of the terrible injustice done to Jesus, God has shown victory over death and raised Jesus to glory. With this comes the power of the Holy Spirit, now outpoured for us all.

The Psalmist rejoices in the God who stands by and protects us from all dangers, and will show us the path to everlasting happiness. In the Second Reading we hear Peter again, speaking of how Jesus gave his life as a ‘ransom’ for our sins. Because of this, all who believe can have faith and hope in God.

We join two of Jesus’s disciples in the Gospel on their journey to Emmaus, blind to the identity of the risen Lord as he walks with them. When Jesus reveals himself to them in the breaking of bread, they finally recognise him, just as he disappears from their sight.

Unlike the disciples, we have never seen Jesus himself – but because of the faith we have been given, we can see and recognise him in the people and situations around us. This week, let’s pray for the wisdom and courage to respond wherever we see Jesus in the needs of others. It also informs us of the need to have hope and give this hope to others. Connect with people and seek them with a hearts full of mercy and compassion – thus we walk in the footsteps of Jesus.

Nga Mihi – prayer and blessings. – Paul

“Parishes should be close-knit communities, without bureaucracy, people-centered – a place where the gift of the sacraments can be found.
They have to become, once again, schools of service and generosity, with their doors always open to those who are excluded.” – Pope Francis – February 2023.

Pope Francis celebrated the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in 2021 and decreed that it be observed each year on the Sunday closest to the feast of Ss. Joachim and Anne, Jesus’ grandparents. This year this will be celebrated on Sunday July 23. Maybe this would be. Agood occasion to celebrate in our Passionist family Groups and/or parishes.

This is one beautiful voice: click on link below:

Fantastic story of how this 13 year old Irish boy felt when growing up and then he found magic! Fantastic and moving performance. Amazing!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bpE_6301hpU

Update: See Paeroa and East Coast Bays Invite attached

This week,. At home this past week. Have been contacting and supporting from afar families that have been affected by recent tragedies and loss. Had a great meeting with Fr maleko PP and Teresa Homan at Upper Hutt on Tuesday. We are working on a plan to relaunch and revitalise Passionist Family Groups in the parish. There has been preparation for a talk in Dunedin next week and confirming meetings in Invercargill with the PFG coordinator and catching up with Fr Brenden PP and also catching up with Fr Lito PP Ashburton and then onto Christchurch for the Passionist Family Group Relaunch in Christchurch West. A meeting Palmerston North on Monday and then Friday May 5^th fly to Sydney.

Also, as advised previously in May this year we celebrate 50 years of Passionist Family Groups in Terrey Hills, Sydney. I will be attending this event representing PFG in Aotearoa. We have advised that we want Passionist Family Groups to have a get together near this time of May 7 to celebrate this great milestone. This will give us an opportunity to connect with Passionist Family Group members all over the Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Just click on ‘Open Link’ at the end of the link below the image or paste the link into: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K-pf0TCVvI

Also, I wish to advise that on June 10, 2023 we celebrate 35 years of Passionist Family Groups in Paeroa 6pm Eucharist followed by Pot Luck dinner and on June 17 we celebrate 35 years for East Coast Bays. We believe this is a significant milestone that we commit to celebrating in June. My brother, Fr Brian Traynor has been invited out for these celebrations. He was there to begin these parishes 35 years ago along with Lynn and Rob Hill and many others who will be invited to join in on these celebrations.

Reminder: 5 Aims and Goals

share & celebrate life & faith
support one another (especially in need)
reaching out to & include others
build community/extended family
show example to children

Here in the deep south, it has become customary to light a Passionist Family Group candle whenever we come together in times of celebration. Some events that come to mind are the blessing of a new home especially for families who have decided to make NZ home, we do this with the planting of a small tree usually a kowhai or rose bush depending on the space available.

When a family group member/supporter go’s to our heavenly home we consult the family offering a candle and they decide how and when this to be lit. Often it is placed on the casket or beside, can be lit at the beginning, or when altar candles are lit. Some times the Priest calls fourth for group leader/s to light or the designated family member.

Recently we attended the memorial Mass and headstone blessing of foundation member Ray Kerr, who died during Covid 19 lockdown when attendance was restricted with the lowest attendance rules in place. This time the PFG candle sat on the altar placed in the middle between the altar candles. At the graveside it was interesting that it burned brightly and was not extinguished by the cold easterly breeze evident!

The following day another early foundation member Requiem Mass was held and again family were offered a candle, joyfully accepted. This one was placed beside the casket and lit from the paschal candle which then was used to light the altar candles and placed beside.

On a personal level I was moved by this small yet significant action. The candles often remain with the family unless we the Passionist Family Group are that family! They then become recycled to being lit at our gatherings and leaders’ meetings.

Pease remember in your thoughts and prayer:

Please remember Aileen and Murray Straight’s daughter, Nicola whose husband Dave Kempton died tragically as part of a work related accident. Please remember their children Olivia & Shaun as well Aileen, Murray and their family and of course the extended family
Please remember Joseph Nguyen Bao Toan. He recently decided to leave the Passionist after 6 years. He returned home two weeks ago. Toan had been working this computer when a sudden stroke occurred, where he was

found by his Dad. We remember his family at this sad and distressing time.

Please remember Phil Drew a former Passionist who has had a massive stroke. Please remember his wife Anne and family
Please remember Irene Maguire who is recovering from knee surgery
Please remember Bronwyn Hallot whose brother is in palliative care. Keep Bronwyn and her family in your prayer.
Please remember Frances Bleaken’s mother who recently. Our love and thoughts to Frances, Clive, and family.
Please remember Simon Langley whose mum died recently. We remember Simon, Anne-Marie and their family at this sad time
Please remember Phil Drew and ex Passionist who I worked and lived with. Phil is in critical care due to a massive stroke. Please remember him, his wife Anne and children, and extended family.
Please remember Rosie Crawford who is recovering after a knee operation.
Please remember Fr Peter Gaughan CP, A Kiwi Passionist who died recently. We remember his family and friends and his Passionist brothers and sisters.
Please keep in your prayers those who continue to deal with the after effects of Cyclone Gabrielle and other weather events.
Keep in prayer the people of Turkey and Syria and all who are assisting and supporting their efforts in dealing with the aftermath of earthquakes.
Please keep Somalia and the surrounding countries dealing with their sixth year in a row of drought.
Remember our people suffering from the intolerance of difference. May we be open to listen respectfully and not move to violence because we don’t agree.
Please keep Nick and Leah and daughter Heidi Darbyshire whose 21 week old George Darbyshire died – Still born. Please keep Linda and Paul, Nick Leah and Heidi and the Leah’s family in your thoughts and prayer
Remember Passionists: Fr Chris Mithen and Fr Brian Glesson
Please pray for Dot and Neill Wilson (Invercargill) – their son-in-law Mark married to Dot’s daughter Anita has been diagnosed with aggressive brain tumour, Please keep in mind their daughter Bailey and son Taylor.
Keep in your prayer Anne & Peter Green who have lost another daughter recently in the UK. Our hearts go out to them.
Remember Pat and Rod Carson
Remember a friend whose sister’s son is awaiting trial.
Aidan son of Josie and Phil McIntyre – he is very sick and his parents are his caregivers.
John Arthurs – brother of Bob. We remember John’s wife Valerie and Bob & Pamela’s family
Paul Darbyshire (Linda and family)
Gerard and Linda Daly – tragic loss of their son, Brett. Keep the family in your prayer..
Remember Fr Ray Sanchez CP – for his health concern
Your own intention

Some Jokes:

“What do clouds wear?” “Thunderwear.”
“Why are piggy banks so wise?” “They’re filled with common cents.”
“Why is Peter Pan always flying?” “He neverlands.”
“How do you get a good price on a sled?” “You have toboggan.”
“How can you tell if a tree is a dogwood tree?” “By its bark.”
“I used to hate facial hair, but then it grew on me.”
“It’s inappropriate to make a ‘dad joke’ if you’re not a dad. It’s a faux pa.”
“What do you call a hot dog on wheels?” “Fast food!”
“Where do young trees go to learn?” “Elementree school.”
“Did you hear about the circus fire? It was in tents.”

Pot luck dinner following Mass