The Spiritan United States Province gathered on June 15-19, 2015 at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh for their tri-annual General Assembly.  Eighty-five professed and lay members came together from across the United States and abroad for a time of prayer, renewal and reflection on the Spiritan life and mission.  Representatives also joined the gathering from Vietnam, South Africa, Dominican Republic, Tanzania, Canada, Nigeria, Rome and the Philippines.  Fr. Maurice Shortall, C.S.Sp. represented the Superior General from Rome.

Members of the US Province had spent the past year meeting in regional communities throughout the province to prepare the agenda and reflect on the needs of the Spiritan mission today.  In addition to reports which were given by the provincial superior and bursar on the status of the Spiritan mission in the United States today, “Mission Spots” highlighting the various ministries of the US Province were presented in many creative ways by several of the participants.  Two important topics which received in depth and focused discussion were the challenge of community life as experienced in an intercultural/international setting that most Spiritans presently live in and the distinguishing characteristics of the Spiritan mission as it is lived in the United States today.  The discussion of these topics were synthesized into reports and the recommendations will be forwarded to the next provincial administration for implementation.

Finally, there was a consultation of the membership on the choices for the next provincial and leadership team.  As a result of the election that took place during the Assembly, Fr. Jeffrey Duaime, C.S.Sp. was reappointed provincial superior for another three year term beginning August 15, 2015.  The Assembly participants were also given the opportunity to provide input on the selection of the next Provincial Councilor and Treasurer.  The Provincial Council works with the Provincial in animating the mission and community life of the province for a three year mandate.

Guided by the Holy Spirit, it was a very prayerful and energetic week with many inspirational moments.  Participants returned to their many ministries and various communities renewed in their commitment to serve the Spiritan mission of proclaiming the Good News “to the ends of the earth.”

Photo credits: Jean-Michel Gelmetti, C.S.Sp.