I was asked to write an article on my “Passionist Blanket.” I am not a writer, or literary talent, so you will have to bear with my effort. You are probably thinking “my blanket” is a descriptive term to tell you how the PFGM and the Passionist Charism has enveloped and enhanced my life, and […]

Recently the St Mary’s parish in Invercargill celebrated their 24 years as part of the Passionist Family Group Movement. It was lovely to meet many parishioners who are new to New Zealand. Passionist Family Groups have been a great way for them to be integrated into the parish. They feel that they are part “of […]

The annual Christchurch Diocese Formation Day was held at the end of July and this gave members a chance to meet and catch up with each other. Topics that were presented by our facilitator Paul Traynor were Communities and PFG’s, Grief and Bereavement. Around this time of the year many of our Christchurch Parishes celebrate […]

Formation Days for the Hamilton Diocese took place as two separate events during May, on Saturday 26th in Hamilton and Sunday 27th in Katikati.  This makes for easier travel for the PFG members in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions. Fr Brian Traynor CP presented at both days, with excellent session material, yet again. […]

The NZ Passionist Youth Retreat held at Camp Rangi Woods from Monday 9thto Thursday 12thJuly was attended by 22 youth.Super proud of these young people, firstly for taking the risk to attend the retreat, themed ‘Our story’ and secondly embracing the program 100 per cent. They each took time alone to reflect on their own lives, write […]

Left to Right Brian Traynor,  Nella O’Hara,  Pat O’Hara, Rob Hill, Lynn Hill,  MartinVanDeWetering, Sally VanDeWetering, Betty Henderson, John Henderson, Shelley Ward, Charlie Gribble, Maggie Gribble, Graham Ward and Paul Traynor. St Mary’s Paeroa celebrated 30 Years of PFGM in June with a Mass followed by a shared dinner, cutting of a special cake made […]

A large group of Passionist Companions and Passionist Youth from the Palmerston North Diocese recently attended the Passionist Institute held at the Home of Compassion Island Bay, Wellington. We were joined by fellow Passionist Companions from around New Zealand. The weekend was facilitated by Fr Brian Traynor CP and Fr Erick Niyiragira CP from Australia. […]

To all our Family Group Directors, Coordinators, leaders and family As our Holy Week begins, for our Passionist Family, this is truly a sacred time,  as it is of course for all who follow Christ.  But we Passionists always feel it is extra special for ourselves.  With Mary and John at the foot of the […]

Fr Peter McGrath CP –  As you may well know, Peter passed away, Saturday, March 3rd at 11.25am at the War Veterans’ Home, Tobruk Unit. Peter was 78 years old on his last birthday. Peter was 58 years professed and 53 years ordained. Peter’s passing was very gentle. For the last few weeks as Peter […]

Karen Lea Englebretsen celebrated the First Profession of ‘The Sisters of the Cross and Passion’ at St Paul Apostle Catholic Community, Endeavour Hills on Saturday 10th February.Bishop Charles Drennan from Palmerston North presided.Yes, we can claim Karen as our Kiwi girl!! And it was great to see others whom travelled over the ditch to be […]