HISTORY AND MISSION

Founded in 1973 by the Eastern Province of the Passionist Congregation, the Passionist Volunteers were formed to bring a Passionist Presence to communities in need.  Amidst the nation's economic turmoil in 2009, the Passionist Order could no longer afford to fund the lay program, but assisted in its rebirth as an independent non-profit organization.

Today, the PV Volunteer program takes to heart that in all endings are seeds of new beginnings. But the charism of the program, just as the spirit of communion and service inspired by St. Paul of the Cross, will not change.

The main value the program seeks to embody is to be in communion with the people we serve and with each other through the shared experience of providing direct services that address the particular needs of a community.  These ideals are made manifest in the building of community, both among the volunteers themselves, and with the people we serve, and through a commitment to practical action.  “Community enriches, and is nourished by service in mission.”  (St. Paul of the Cross, Const.67)

Over the last three decades the program has evolved in many ways, but the vision remains the same, as expressed in the current “PV Volunteer Vision.”

PVs come from a wide diversity of religious experiences, backgrounds, and spiritual expressions. Through their experiences in the program, the volunteers change and grow intellectually and spiritually.  They are impelled to further action when they return to their families and their own communities.  The local community in which the program works is changed as well, both by receiving pragmatic assistance and by encountering Christ.  The PV Vision, when put into action, truly enables us to “Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.” (Micah 5:8)

The PV Volunteer Program chooses certain locations that offer the best opportunity to fulfill our Vision.  In particular, we look for areas that are underserved by government or other volunteer groups, locations that marked by deep poverty, where the people are depressed, isolated, and suffering.  “Passionists are not to neglect services to the poor, incommodious and troublesome places.” (St. Paul of the Cross, Rule Chap. 24, Sec.5)  Although acute needs are addressed, we especially seek out areas where chronic systemic problems exist.  In doing so, we are particularly sensitive to those who have been abandoned, and take to heart our obligation to be committed to them.  “The love of God is ingenious, and is proved not so much by the words, as by the deeds and example of the lovers.” (St. Paul of the Cross, Rule Chap 16)  In all this, we look for an opportunity to come to a community that has a particular need for our program's charism.