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Our
Passionist
Cloister
Young people who are more
familiar with cloistered Nuns of other traditions, are often confused about the cloister of Passionist Nuns. They do not realize that within the Church there are different types of cloister. All are to be given equal respect and merit, because they are approved and blessed by the Church.
The Church holds within
her bosom the treasure of a variety of charisms, all ordained for the greater enrichment of the People of God, as Pope John Paul II wrote in Vita Consecrata:
"We are all aware of the treasure which the gift of consecrated life in the variety of its charisms and institutions represents for the ecclesial community."
(Vita Consecrata - #2)
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Our Passionist Habit
Our religious habit
is an outward sign of our consecration to Jesus in the mystery of His Passion and death. It consists of a simple, long black tunic, pleated at the waist by a leather belt from which hangs the rosary of Our Blessed Mother. Over our hearts we wear the Passion Sign which sums up the basic elements of our Passionist spirituality. We wear a simple coif under our black veil. Novices wear a white veil and the black tunic. Only after first vows do they have the privilege of wearing the Passion Sign. We also receive a ring at first Profession, signifying that we are the Bride of Christ. We ordinarily wear sandals, although shoes are permitted not only for Nuns with foot problems but also for those who work in the garden or who like to do brisk walking outdoors.
Passionist Nuns
have never had a long scapular as
part of our habit, nor the "gimp" as part of our head gear.
Because there is very little material used in making our simple
habits, this is one form of our poverty.
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Our Marian Devotions
Mary, Mother of the Passionist Congregation
Our Blessed Mother's continual guiding presence marked the beginnings of the Passionist Congregation. Our tradition has it that she made known to our Holy Founder, St. Paul of the Cross, the mission God had assigned to him-that of founding the Passionists.
St. Paul of the Cross cherished a tender filial devotion to Mary, and honored her particularly under the titles of Our Mother of Sorrows, and Our Mother of Holy Hope.
When Paul wrote the primitive Rule of the Passionist Nuns, he legislated that Our Mother of Sorrows would be the
"Abbess" of the monastery. The one elected as superior would be her representative.
