The Congregation of the Holy Spirit United States Province held its Provincial Chapter from June 17-21, 2024, at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This week-long meeting is convened every eight years (previously six)—alternating every four years (previously three) with Provincial Assemblies— for prayerful reflection on the work and direction of the Congregation and election of the leadership team.

U.S. Province members considered the mission of the Congregation in this important decision-making process as they elected a new Provincial, Fr. John Fogarty, C.S.Sp., who will begin his 4-year mandate in October. Fr. John Fogarty has spent many years in leadership including serving as Provincial of the U.S. Province and as Superior General of the Congregation from 2012 to 2021. Currently, he serves at Duquesne University as Senior Advisor to the President for Spiritan Mission and Campus Culture.

In the coming months, he will select a Provincial Council to work together as a cohesive leadership team.

As part of an ongoing community renewal process, the Chapter also provides an opportunity to discern guidelines for the Province and apply directives from the General Chapters. 

The planning process to make this year’s Chapter a success began over a year ago. Regional groups of Spiritans around the country gathered several times to discuss topics and engage in Synodality around the challenges and opportunities that face the Province in the next 8 years and beyond.

The event brought together the Spiritan community in and around the U.S. Province. Members of the Province including priests and brothers serving domestically and abroad, Spiritans-in-formation, Lay Spiritans, and several Provincials from other Spiritan circumscriptions were in attendance. 

Ahead of the Chapter, a Pre-Chapter session was held focusing on Spiritan Education. The event entitled: “Sharing and Responding to the Fruits of the Spirit: A Day of Learning, Reflection and Conversation” brought together Spiritans and professionals from our Spiritan Schools in the U.S.: Duquesne University and Holy Ghost Prep as well as others involved in education in the U.S. and around the world.
During the Chapter, Fr. Don McEachin, C.S.Sp., was awarded a Presidential Medal by Ken Gormley, president of Duquesne University. Seminarian Matthew Broeren, C.S.Sp., professed his Final Vows as he continues his journey in the Spiritan Life. There was also time to recognize Spiritan Jubilarians, remember Spiritan Confreres who have died, hear from the Province leadership and the Spiritan Office for Mission Advancement (SOMA) team, and fellowship together. 
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