Acceptance of Agnes into the Sisters of the Cross and Passion

Sister Anne Cunningham CP, Superior General of the Sisters of the Cross and Passion, received Agnes as a definitive step in her journey with the Sisters during Evening Prayer at the Paspac Assembly on Friday 23rd September.
Agnes is from Melbourne and is a member of the Passionist Youth Team and a member of the Consultative Group to the Charism Team of the Province.

   

 The following is a poetic and prayerful dissertation given by Agnes at the liturgy of welcome. Words she says "came on the first night of PASPAC, as I felt the warmth of collective wisdom, compassion and hospitality of our large family and the contemplation of God's works."

Travelling with the Cross Take me with you, I begged, staring at the Cross Come with me, you replied.   I was eight, when I first felt the sorrow, The deep, raw and rich sorrow, Crying seemingly blood stained tears, That Good Friday night.   I was nine when I prayed you to give me death, to show me a reason for this other sadness Naively believing my sorrow of the world, Came at your beckoning.   I was eleven when I fervently felt your call, Dared to dream a life dedicated to you, . Pushing this yearning painfully back... ..though not away, No, not good enough.   I was thirteen when I thought I left you, This Church alien and hypocritical, Despite my peace at Mass and Confirmation, No, I was to follow the rhythm of the earth, Egyptian gods and hand scrolled ritual   I was a teenager when I thought I hated the world, Yet never felt alone. When I almost returned your gift of life Seeing not your love, only a world I was not To be a part of.   I was nineteen when you cunningly called me to Mass, And I, attempting to match your humour Went everywhere but, Baptist, Assembly of God, Anglican, Only to return to where I left seven years ago.   A young adult when you called me once more, louder, I fell on my knees one 7 pm late at work. I begged you to be silent, my heart secretly leaping, Could you really want me?   I was twenty one when time stood still, As I entered the grounds of Holy Cross Bitten with the Passionist Spirit, Confirming awakening, affirming, articulating Joy and sorrow the endless ocean of your love. All that I had been was. ....... And a direction I dared not contemplate.   I was twenty two when I met my Sisters, Trying to be "myself', trying too hard, You shook your head, smiled And said I love you all the same.   At twenty three I left home living your Passion, My cloak gambled over before I had even died, From the garden to the Cross You carried me every step.   I begged you in front of the Cross, Take me with you. Come with me, you replied, lovingly and tenderly.   I begged you to let me be a Passionist. You are mine, a Passionist always, You smiled so gently.   I begged you to take over My pride and arrogance sure to make a mess. I have never left you, you whispered, I never will.   Be not afraid. I am here.

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