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Congregation of the Holy Spirit – Spiritans #1044
The Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans) is an international religious missionary community founded in France in 1703 by a charismatic Jewish convert to serve the most abandoned by society, freed slaves and other people of color. Today we have more than 2,500 priests, brothers, and lay members serving around the world in over 60 countries, and across the United States. Walking in the footsteps of our founders, the Spiritans share the Good News of Jesus serving “off the beaten path” in areas and among peoples who have the greatest need.
From serving at international refugee camps to inner city parishes, from teaching in schools around the world to providing a home for orphans, Spiritans proclaim God with their lives and through their works.
Our missionary work began in Africa in the 1920s, specifically with the Maasai in the Kilimanjaro area of Tanzania. We continue in there today where Fr. Pat Patton, CSSp, operates the Flying Medical Service in the Olkokala area of Tanzania. A certified pilot, Fr. Pat provides air transportation for medical emergencies to and from Maasailand, where healthcare access is scarce.
Internationally, Spiritans have served for over 20 years in the Dominican Republic opening a job training center, a children’s daycare center, a thriving catechetical formation program, a new gymnasium, adult literacy training, computer centers with free internet, a music school, and a tuition-free technical high school.
The Spiritan Province of Mexico was formed in 1971 where they provide pastoral services, career skills, medical services and schools, promote justice and peace for the oppressed; and interreligious dialogue. At present there are 15 Spiritans ministering in eight parishes in four Dioceses as well as the Archdiocese of Mexico.
The Spiritan mission to Vietnam began in 2007 in Ho Chi Minh City, and continues today with a flourishing seminarian program with more than 30 students in various stages of formation. Mission appeal donations have helped to fund the building of the houses for seminarians. The same is true for the House of Theological Studies in Manila where 18 Spiritans study.
In the United States, efforts to bring the Spiritans to California began as early as 1888, but it wasn’t until 1942 when a Spiritan Foundation in Southern California became a reality. Because of our knowledge of the Spanish language, we were able to serve the Hispanic population in the Diocese establishing a mission residence and parishes, Our Lady of the Valley and Holy Spirit, in Hemet. Over the years Spiritans have served in many other ministries in the Diocese of San Diego and San Bernardino.
The Spiritans dedicate themselves to working with the poor. Our efforts include education and parish ministry in many African-American and immigrant communities. Ministering from the pulpit as well as in the soup kitchens, we are found working within the community to make change.
The purpose of our mission appeal is for the support of our missionary activities: starting new missions, bringing the Gospel message where it is not yet heard, educating the poor and underprivileged, and caring for the needy and homeless. The Spiritans thank the pastors, staff, and parishioners of Annunciation Church in Arcadia and Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Claremont. Your generosity will help us share the Good News of the Gospel “to the ends of the earth,” building community in parts of the world that are so often neglected.
Please visit www.spiritans.org to learn more about the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans).
Support the Congregation of the Holy Spirit – Spiritans #1044
You can support the Congregation of the Holy Spirit – Spiritans #1044 through your prayers and monetary donation by making a check payable to THE SOCIETY FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE FAITH, 3424 Wilshire Blvd 3rd Fl., Los Angeles CA 90010, memo #1044. You may also donate online by clicking the donate button. When making an online donation, reference #1044 in the Memo box. Your donation is tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Mission Cooperative Plan