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SAN ANTONIO • The Community of Passionist Partners (CPP) is a group of lay people who have found the charism of the Passionist community central to their spirituality and journey of faith. The Passionist community has been in San Antonio since 1976 when four Passionists — Father Clemente Barrón, Father Arthur Carrillo, Father Alfonso San Juan and Father Richard Padilla — were assigned to live and minister in the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Over the years, this community has given parish missions, retreats, encuentro conyugales and has helped almost every parish within the city. Today, Father Barrón and Father Sebastian MacDonald are the Passionists in residence.
About four years ago, a good number of laity began seeking a more intense way of being in relationship with the Passionist community. After a year of formation, these lay people made “covenants” with one another, under the umbrella of the Passionist community, and continue in relationship with them in spirituality and ministry.
One way to strengthen the relationship between the Passionist community and the CPP community has been to celebrate an annual Posada every December. This beautiful faith expression takes place at one of the member’s homes or at the Passionist community residence. The CPP community came knocking on the door of the Passionist community and they were received with great joy. Now, they go out every December, knocking on doors, asking for Posada and waiting to be accepted!
This year’s Posada will begin at 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 19, at the community residence, Casa Pasionista Guadalupe at 700 Waverly. All are welcome. There will be a gathering for a brief reflection and prayer before the community goes door to door in the neighborhood, seeking Posada. There is a strong identification with the men and women who come from afar seeking shelter as they make their way through our lives. We are keenly aware that we, too, were once in need of shelter and the embrace of a loving God.
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