Our Formation

VOCATION

VOCATION

This is a call to holiness from God to all people that one my freely choose and live to serve others through it.God calls us in many different ways, that include these three main:

1. Marriage Life:  "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them". (Gen1:27) After marriage, they together expose themselves to the service of other humanity. God awards them with the gift of children voluntarily that they may fill the earth and help God in procreation.

2. Single Holy Life: Here God calls some to solely live alone to serve the entire humanity with their resources especially to those marginalized groups of people and the vulnerable of the society.

3. Religious Life: Jesus says, "For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it." (Matt 19:12)

STAGES OF FORMATION

COME AND SEE

Jesus turned to see a group of people following him and asked, “What are you looking for?” They replied, “Rabbi, where are you staying? ”Jesus responded, “Come and see” (Jn 1:38-41)  The two men went with Jesus and stayed with him for the rest of the day. This stage happens after one has accomplished or during his high school studies. A willing young man seeks to come and see what way of life Passionists Religious live. This does not take long, he returns home and when pleased with the initial first come experience, he asks to return for the next stage.

ASPIRANCY/RESIDENCE/PRE-POSTULANT

In this stage you would continue with your regular life, while growing in your knowledge of and experiences within the Congregation. One is taught how to pray and being emersed in the communal life of the Passionists. This takes at least one year. Note that both clerical and Brothers undertake this stage together. They may at the decision of the Council proceed for both Philosophical and Theological Studies, though generally, the register for Catechetical Course and after finishing will re-join with the same classmates in Novitiate. After Novitiate, as Clerical Candidates proceed for Theological Studies, Brother Candidates may be asked to enroll for other courses as deemed required by the Superior in consultation with the Council. The Brother Candidates, will again re-join with the clerical candidates, to take the Perpetual/Solemn Vows, as this marks an important end of the initial formation of both clerical and Brothers. Brothers are sent to begin ministries in suitable places depending with ability as Clerical Candidates proceed to Diaconate and Subsequent Priestly Ordinations.

PHILOSOPHICAL STUDIES/POSTULANCY

Postulancy refers to “one who asks,” and marks a continuous entry into the Congregation. It is in this stage that those who have successfully completed Aspirancy stage, are sent for Philosophical Studies, currently in Arusha Tanzania, or in any country suggested by the council. As a postulant you live and pray, take classes to learn more about Passionists  and religious life, and could participate in some apostolic works. This stage takes at least 3 years.

NOVITIAGE STAGE

This is a very critical stage in Passionist Congregation, here a Postulant having completed his Philosophical studies, and passed, is admitted to join. The purpose of the novitiate is to prepare you to live a vowed life. It's a time to deepen in knowledge of the Congregation, charism and spirituality according to the intention of the Founder St. Paul of the Cross, as well as of the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience, together with our forth vow; memoria passionis. At the end of novitiate, with the approval of the Curia, one professes his first religious vows.

THEOLOGICAL STUDIES/TEMPORARY VOWS

It is at this stage that a newly professed proceeds to start his Theological Studies, currently taking place at Tangaza University in Kenya, and one may also be sent for this studies in any country under the decision taken by the council. Over and above, the mutual discernment process continues after the first profession of poverty, chastity, obedience and keeping alive the memories of the Passion. You would still be in formation, learning about the Congregation as well as any particular skills you might need as a member. Participating more deeply in the life of the community, both the spiritual and apostolic dimensions, helps to solidify your relationship with God as well as to clarify your call. Every year before the overlap of the date one took the first profession, he renews the temporary vows, and after a period of time (3-6 years) and confirmation of your call by both you and the Congregation, one is permitted to profess perpetual or solemn vows.

PERPETUAL VOWS/SOLEMN PROFESSION

Solemn Profession is a public declaration of your commitment and intention to give yourself completely to God and to the service of others though the specific charism of the Congregation. The perpetual vows of poverty, chastity and obedience  plus Memoria Passionis constitute a radical commitment for life which predetermines all other choices.

Formation as a religious continues beyond solemn profession, in order to help you continue growing in your relationship with God, your knowledge of the faith and of the spirituality of the congregation. 

DIACONATE AND PRIESTLY ORDINATION

After all formation, worthy candidates are approved for Diaconate and Priestly Ordination. 

The entire formation beginning with Come and See to Solemn Profession takes at least 11yrs. Then, up to Diaconate and Priesthood totals up to at least 12 years

DO YOU FEEL CALLED TO PASSIONISTS MISSIONARIES?

Are you a staunch Catholic, receiving the Holy Communion and attending regularly the Sacrament of Confession? Not married before.
Qualified to join University according to the minimum grade of your country: in Kenya C+ and above.
Ready to live Community Life and help Christians understand the meaning of their Suffering?
Then here we are, we need you reach us through the Contacts Provided:

VOCATIONS OFFICE:

passionistvocations@yahoo.com

VD: +254721577589

or +254735940742