We are a missionary family, founded in 1703. We live the Gospel in response to the changing needs of contemporary culture, building community in parts of the world that are often neglected.
Committed to respectful evangelization, by our witness and service, we introduce people to the Holy Gospel and God’s love for them.
Nearly 3,000 Spiritans serve in over sixty countries on six continents – in Europe, Africa, North and South America, Asia and Oceania.
The poor are evangelised by the poor. It was the custom in the co-lonial society at that time for mothers to give their babies to local women to nurse because they were so impressed by the depths of their conversion. It was the employees in the houses who used to persuade their masters to call the priest for the last sacraments if somebody was dying. Eventually the colonials, who no longer practised their religion, were so impressed by the behaviour of their servants that they asked if they too could have direct access to Père Lava.
Cardinal Margéot: Homily for the beatification of Jacques Laval
1878 | East Africa
The Spiritan pioneers are restricted to 300 miles from the coast with the arrival of the White Fathers who, at the end of February, 1878, are granted permission by Propaganda Fide to work in Central Africa, especially around the great Lakes. The Spiritan missionaries help them in their thrust inland.
1937 | Cameroon
The newspaper "Cameroun Catholique" is launched by the diocese of Brazzaville.
1945 | Congo
The start of a great increase in parishes in the diocese of Brazzaville. The seminaries are also developed.
1979 | C.S.Sp.
Père Jacques Laval is beatified by Pope John Paul II. His feast day is fixed for September 9th, the anniversary of his death.
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