Greetings from the Spiritans, officially the Congregation of the Holy Spirit
and formerly known as the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers. We are a
Catholic religious congregation founded in France in 1703 to evangelize the
poor and marginalized around the world. Many of you will also know us for our relationship to Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, founded by the Spiritans back in 1878 for the education of the children of the immigrant poor.
The Spiritans were the first modern-day missionaries in West Africa (1840s) and in East Africa (1860s) having established many local Churches in Tanzania with the Maasai people. Ministries flourished there and continue to do so today throughout Africa, as well as in Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, and Asia. Our presence in Vietnam especially is rich in vocations. Within a short time, we will have our first formally professed and ordained confreres who will continue a thriving Spiritan presence for the future.
Present in the United States for more than 150 years, today we serve local parishes in 10 states, primarily among African American and immigrant communities. Ministering from the pulpit as well as the soup kitchens, we are found working within the community to make change in the community.
The Spiritans’ charism has always been evangelization of the “poor”. We go to those who haven’t heard the message of the Gospel, and to those whose needs are greatest. Through education and community service, we endeavor to help those who are disadvantaged to overcome the problems that make each day a struggle. Around the world we continue working with the most vulnerable to bring food, water, medical services and supplies to our brothers and sisters who lack these necessities of life, teaching them career skills, operating hospitals and schools, and providing for daily needs.
Fr. Pat Patten, C.S.Sp., is one of the Spiritan missionaries serving in Africa. Fr. Pat has operated the Flying Medical Service out of Arusha, Tanzania for over 40 years. Fr. Pat is a pilot and serves some 20,000 people each year transporting them by plane to Nairobi and other areas for medical emergencies and services, and bringing in visiting medical personnel to the local villagers.
Fr. Paul Flamm, C.S.Sp., has spent the past 25 years working in refugee camps in Western Tanzania. Providing sacramental ministry and serving people in their need to be connected during their time of displacement requires a significant commitment of time and resources. Your support is critical to proclaiming the Gospel of peace and continuing the work of reconciliation.
From the beginning, Spiritans have offered a ministry of presence and of hope to people of all walks of life. Over three centuries, we have brought the Word of God to people on five continents and sixty countries. To the ends of the earth, Spiritians have gone and will continue to go, and it’s through your prayers and support that our mission is possible.
These days we are indeed living in unprecedented times, and many of us are feeling anxious about the challenges of the current health crisis. While we cannot be with you today personally, we send you our prayers and ask you to focus on the future when we can once again gather together to worship. Thank you for your interest in the work of the Spiritans and your support of our missions.
Thank you for all you have done to support the mission of the church. Together we are missionary disciples living in God’s love. God keep you safe, and peace be with you all.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Jeffrey T. Duaime, C.S.Sp.
Provincial Superior