A cool refreshing drink of water after a long hard run - that's how the Institute has been for me.

It has been informative and instructional, detailing the life and times of Paul of the Cross. It has been inspirational, learning of his vocational goals and how he struggled to put these into practice. It has been challenging on a personal level, raising many questions about how I am living my life. It has been a loving experience, surrounded by supportive Passionist companions, each of us inspired by the true Passionist companions, each of us inspired by the true Passionist way of living.

Deo Gratias.

Catherine Butchard, Christchurch, New Zealand.

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I have been on an amazing journey during these 5 days at Templestowe - a journey of discovery, of awakening, of love, a journey to life.

Learning about Paul of the Cross through his letters, (and his never ending trust in God, and love of the crucified one) and living with several members of the Passionist family, is something I will always treasure and never forget.

The flowing of kindness, of openness, of love between the vowed and non vowed Passionists was overwhelming, and for me, gave a sense of awareness of God's unbelievable love for me.

After starting to attend Mass at Marrickville eighteen months ago after a long sabbatical from the Church, I wondered what it was that made me want to return regularly. I had only wanted to go to be known to a priest so I could use him as a referee in my employment in Catholic education. Five days at the Pasisonist Institute have given me my answer. It is the charism of the Passionist Order. My five days here have given me an insight into the life of Paul of the Cross and this great family he started. Not just professed Passionists but Passionists from every walk of life. A title that I am now proud to give myself.

Terry Kelly. Marrickville.

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My Experience of the Passionist Institute 2002:

It was a time of learning, thinking, praying, and of spiritual awareness.

I know more about the person St. Paul of the Cross, the founder of the Passionists and his life and work.

I have reflected on the charism of the Passionists. Paul knew of the enormity of God's love (sea of love). He wanted to share this with others. This was his mission in life. He formed the Passionists to do this work. They are his companions. The work of sharing love with others has been done since Paul's time in a down to earth, practical way that he encouraged - and to enjoy.

I seek models in my faith journey. People make spirituality come alive for me - they make it relevant. Paul is such a person. I'm glad I know him.

I like the way Passionists do things today. They are practical (as Paul was). They have adapted over the years, but they have always remained true to their charism (objectives). I particularly like their openness to the contribution to their charism that lay people can make.

John Butchard, Christchurch.

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The Passionist Institute was for me, a wonderful opportunity to revisit some of what has been so important in my life. It was chance to reflect on Paul of the Cross, his mission and ministry and my call to be a part of witnessing to that message in everyday life.

It was a week of learning as various Passionists opened up the richness that is the charism and spirituality of the Passionist order and gently challenged all of the participants to reflect on how this impacts on, and is lived out in our day to day lives. It was an experience, and a journey that I, and I am sure that all of the participants are richer for having been a part of.