{"id":12604,"date":"2026-04-17T14:45:26","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T19:45:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/passionist.org\/?p=12604"},"modified":"2026-04-21T15:32:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T20:32:26","slug":"donna-cooper-sees-the-passionist-charism-as-a-way-of-promoting-cultural-appreciation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/passionist.org\/es\/2026\/04\/17\/donna-cooper-sees-the-passionist-charism-as-a-way-of-promoting-cultural-appreciation\/","title":{"rendered":"Donna Cooper sees the Passionist charism as a way of promoting cultural appreciation"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Donna Cooper<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Donna Cooper is the Facilities Manager and Retreat House Coordinator at St. Paul\u2019s Retreat and Conference Centre in Adelaide, South Australia. She has worked with the Passionists for 14 years and is thankful to share the grace and guidance she has received with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, she reminds us that in Australian culture, the focus is not just on individualism or just on community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is very hard to separate them,\u201d Donna explains. \u201cIndividuals and community work together. Family and upbringing are central to people\u2019s character. At the same time, we see that some individuals, through their own lived experience and with stunning originality, develop their own strengths and achievements over time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI think our faith is our launching pad for our life ahead,\u201d Donna shares. \u201cOur Passionists guide us toward love and lead by their example. We are all growing toward Christ each day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At one time in Australian culture, it was thought that holiness was found only in religious life. Now people see holiness flowing from every sacrament they receive, beginning with baptism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMarried life is the path to holiness for couples,\u201d says Donna. \u201cThe family itself is the first church. The family, parents and children, is the most realistic image of God and God\u2019s love that we can experience.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“The Passionist charism supports families, especially the marginalized, and works with families to encourage them in their role.”<\/p>\nDonna Cooper<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

“The Cross will always be the centerpiece of Passionist ministry. I think God\u2019s unconditional love supports parents who bring their children to know of God\u2019s love for them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Love is at the heart of all relationships, and how love is expressed depends on cultural and familial norms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Donna with the Conference Centre and Parish team (seated l-r): Nadine Pike; Claire Hamlyn; Donna Cooper; Fr. Tom McDonough, CP \u2014 (standing l-r): John Allan; Fr. Tony Simbel, CP; Carmela Pannunzio; Br. Phu Nguyen, CP; and Fr. Phi Cao, CP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAustralia is a melting pot. We all do life a little bit differently,\u201d Donna explains. \u201cEach culture has its own ways of living love and expressing love. Sometimes, there are misunderstandings between different cultures, but, for the most part, people try to care for others and look after them. Passionists recognize the many faces of love, as seen in the gospels, scriptures and in daily life. The Passionist charism of acceptance gives us a deep understanding of what an individual has to offer the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Donna arranges the literature in the reception area of St. Paul\u2019s Retreat Centre.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Love in families naturally includes the cherished elderly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCulturally, we respect our elders and care for the aged. We honor who they were and are now,\u201d shares Donna. \u201cWhen dementia or other illness steps in, it is always devastating for people who \u2018lose\u2019 their loved ones. While many may seek out nursing homes for their elders, the majority are doing so that their elders may be cared for in ways that the family cannot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Again, it is that unconditional love that Jesus offers us in order to help us to see our options more clearly. It is a very challenging time in life. Many of our priests are elderly as well. The Passionist charism helps with the pain and sacrifice of the decisions we must make. We need to look to the source of light for these esteemed people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The melding of cultures, Donna notes, is also an active part of the Australian Province, which includes New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Vietnam. The cultural differences between the Australian and Vietnamese members could be a challenge, but the Passionist charism has guided the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Religion is not always a focus in the culture. The number of baptisms is still high, but fewer people are going to church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catholic school is still a choice for many families, but the reasons have changed for some families. Donna does see signs of hope that faith is making a comeback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey may choose Catholic schooling for its values and discipline, but not for church belonging and attendance,\u201d says Donna. \u201cMost young people though, when asked, do believe in mystery, and that there is more to life. Many pray in their own verbal and non-verbal ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cWe hold the example of Christ saying the greatest commandment is to love one another.\u201d<\/p>\nDonna Cooper<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The Passionist charism helps navigate these cultural challenges and guide the approach of evangelizing to young adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPassionists, like Jesus, just accept people as they are and do not try to change them, or get them to go to church,\u201d shares Donna. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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