Dear Passionist Family:
You are one of our greatest blessings!
By opening your hearts to our vision and mission, you have empowered us. As a member of our Passionist Family, you share values and a collective commitment to keeping alive the memory of Christ’s passion. We are so grateful you have accepted our invitation to share this inclusive message of God’s love for all.
A few years back, Angela Kwasinski, our Director of Donor Relations, began to meet with friends and family across Holy Cross Province. Angela quickly experienced love, compassion and devotion on her visits:
“My work with the Passionists is a life-changing gift from God. I now understand and embrace the full weight of compassionately walking with those who hold close the Cross.”
Phil Jackson, a long-time member of the Passionist Family, began working with Angela in 2015. Like you, Phil has a great devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ. He realizes that he has been attracted to the Passionist’s memory of those suffering all along:
“Being a Passionist allows me to invite others to participate in ministry to today's suffering. It’s hard to imagine anything that gives more universal meaning than the Passion of Christ.”
In July 2017, Christopher Jungers took on the role of stewarding friends and donors of Holy Cross Province on the East Coast. For many years, he has been associated with the Passionists and witnessed Christ's compassion lived out through the community's works and ministries:
“From Haiti to the Philippines, from the inner-city to rural towns in America, the Passionists affect, heal and guide as witnesses and sharers of God’s love through the miraculous and through the routine of daily life. It is a privilege to welcome friends into this story.”
I am excited to announce that in December 2024 Natalie Svistoonoff has joined the Passionist Province Donor Relations Team. Natalie is no stranger to the Passionist Family, having served as the Executive Director at Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center in Citrus Heights, California. We are delighted to welcome her in her new role. Natalie will play a vital role in fostering and strengthening relationships on the West Coast.
“I have come to understand the Cross as the intersection of Joy and Suffering in God’s unconditional love. As a Passionist, we have a deep sense of the Cross, and how it affects each of our hearts. It is one of the greatest gifts we are all given, and to be able to share this is a true blessing in today’s world.”
Please join me in praying for Angela, Phil, Christopher and Natalie as they continue their journey with you. Our hope is that together, you will develop a deeper understanding of Passionist heritage and the transformative power of the Passionist Charism.
May the Passion of Jesus Christ be Always in our Heart!
