As members of the U.S. Province gather in June for the 2021 Provincial General Assembly and elect new leadership, the meeting will focus on the challenges and needs for contemporary Spiritan mission.

A pressing need in our day on the post-pandemic path that is upon us is the cry for racial healing and reconciliation in the society in which we live and work. 

It is clear that the “signs of the times” are calling the Congregation to think differently and more creatively about how to be faithful to the original charism of the Spiritan founders. 

Despite many obstacles and great sacrifices, Claude Poullart des Places and Francis Libermann stayed true to the vision and mission that God placed in their hearts. 

The Assembly is an opportunity to allow the Holy Spirit to challenge the Congregation to reflect on the needs of the mission for today and tomorrow. Rather than remain comfortable with the way things have always been done, the Spirit is challenging the Congregation to embrace the needs of God’s mission today.

As the Province of the United States prepares to transition to a new Provincial Leadership Team, they will review the past three years and reflect on progress made since the 2018 Provincial Chapter. Following are highlights of just some of the initiatives in parish ministry, education, justice and peace, and vocations.

In parish ministry news, the Province developed the Spiritan Alliance for the Renewal of Communities (SPARC) model with an emphasis on ministry in the inner city, creating faith-filled, prayerful, inclusive and affirming communities with pilot missions in Baltimore and Dayton. 

In terms of education, Duquesne University made the bold decision to launch a College of Osteopathic Medicine in response to the needs of underserved rural and urban communities. Holy Ghost Prep has gradually increased minority enrolment to 15 percent over the past three years, doubling previous efforts.

The Spiritan community in Dayton have made a significant commitment to rebuilding and enhancing the Spiritan mission at St. Benedict the Moor School which meets the critical needs of an underserved community while providing a high-quality education in an urban neighborhood which lacks educational options for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.  

Toward justice and peace initiatives, the Spiritans have established opportunities to discuss, reflect, and act on issues of justice, including reflections on Pope Francis’ encyclicals Laudato Si and Fratelli Tutti, and a Racial Justice Initiative in collaboration with the North American Spiritan Provinces. This inter-provincial animation process led to small group sessions to listen and learn from each other and town halls to deepen their knowledge of racial justice issues in our society. 
Bishop Fernand Cheri, OFM, will be the keynote speaker at the General Assembly to address racial justice as one of the ‘signs of the times,’ and the critical need to address systemic and institutional racism as part of the Spiritan mission.

In vocation news, in 2019 Fr. Honest Munishi, C.S.Sp., was appointed full-time Vocation Director. With one candidate for post-novitiate, the Provincial Council made the decision to join the international formation program for Theology in Trinidad. Having completed this stage, Matt Broeren, C.S.Sp., will begin his Pastoral Missionary Experience this September in Brazil.

The U.S. Province has been enriched by an increasing number of Lay Spiritans and Spiritan Friends in Pittsburgh with a well-organized formation program, and look toward expansion in other cities. 

In terms of development, the Province assembled a Spiritan Office for Mission Advancement team with creative and energetic Spiritans working with professional staff committed to promoting and advancing the Spiritan mission. 

Finally, plans are underway for the 150th Anniversary of the First Spiritan Province in the U.S. The theme of “150 years of U.S. Spiritans: Led by the Spirit Where the Needs are Greatest” will help celebrate our history and share our story during this important milestone, with special events to be held throughout the province from January 2022 to Pentecost 2023.