ABOUT SPIRITANS
The Spiritans in Zambia are members of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), founded on May 27, 1703, in France. We are a Male Religious Congregation of Catholic missionaries who have dedicated themselves to serving the people of Zambia. We are committed to living out the Gospel values of love, compassion, justice, and service.
The Spiritans in Zambia work in collaboration with the Local Church to uplift individuals and communities, particularly those who are marginalized, disadvantaged, or facing social injustices. We seek to address the holistic needs of the Zambian people, including their spiritual, educational, healthcare, and social well-being.
Education is a key focus for the Spiritans in Zambia. We believe in the transformative power of education and strive to provide quality educational opportunities to children, youth, and adults, regardless of their socio-economic background. We establish and manage schools, vocational training centers, and literacy programs, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive and contribute to society.
The Spiritans in Zambia also engage in pastoral ministry, offering spiritual guidance, sacraments, and counseling to individuals and families. We nurture the faith of the community, promote spiritual growth, and provide a supportive presence to those in need.
Our Vision
We aspire to be catalysts for positive change, working in collaboration with local communities, government institutions, and other stakeholders to address the root causes of injustice, inequality, and social exclusion. We envision a society where human rights are respected, where the vulnerable are protected, and where the principles of fairness and equity guide all policies and actions.
We see ourselves as agents of transformation, inspiring hope, and empowering individuals to overcome adversity and realize their full potential. We envision a Zambia where spirituality flourishes, where faith is lived out in daily life, and where people experience a deep sense of purpose, meaning, and connection.
Our Mission
The Spiritans in Zambia are dedicated to the transformative power of the Gospel, committed to serving the people of Zambia with compassion, justice, and hope. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities, fostering spiritual growth, promoting education, advancing social justice, and nurturing the dignity of every person.
As Spiritans, we embrace the values of humility, collaboration with the Local Church, Government and NGOs. We engage in pastoral ministry, offering spiritual guidance and support to individuals and families, nurturing their faith and helping them find meaning and purpose in their lives.
One Heart. One Spirit.
The Congregation of the Holy Spirit is a Catholic religious congregation founded in France in 1703. Also known as the Spiritans, our mission for over 300 years has been to evangelize the poor and marginalized all over the world. Thanks for visiting the Zambia Spiritan Group Website. Learn more about us here!
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Spiritan News
The Spiritans in Zambia have indeed made significant contributions to the education sector, providing quality
The Spiritans in Zambia have indeed made significant contributions to the education sector, providing quality
Rt. Rev. Dr. Benjamin Phiri JCD, held a closed-door meeting
November1,2023 November is Black Catholic History Month
BRIEF HISTORY
The Zambia Spiritan Group (ZSG) marked its 50th anniversary on February 3, 2021. This milestone traces back to February 3, 1971, when the first group of six Irish Spiritans arrived in Zambia. Their arrival followed the Biafra war in Nigeria in 1970 and a decision by the Irish Spiritan Province to reassign some Spiritans elsewhere at the request of several bishops.
The Spiritans were welcomed to the southern part of Zambia by Bishops James Corboy, SJ, and Phelim O’Shea OFM Capuchin of the Monze and Livingstone Dioceses. The initial group included Frs. Tony Heerey, Michael Fallon, Steve Darcy, John Daly, Peter Hughes, Vinny O’Connell, George O’Doherty, Michael Reynolds, Michael Walsh, and Con Flanagan. More Spiritans arrived throughout the 1970s. After a warm welcome from the Jesuit Fathers, they began a language course at Chikuni Mission and were later assigned to various parishes and schools.
The Spiritan mission in Zambia was recognized by the general council, which held its first General Meeting in the Zambian community at Kasiya mission on May 8, 1972, with Father Lécuyer, Superior General. The group’s trajectory changed in 1976 when members of the East African Province (EAP) joined, altering its missionary face. Fr. Paul Chuwa and others were appointed to Zambia. By a decision of the general council on April 26, 1982, the group was constituted an international group, with Fr. Frans Timmermans as the superior general.
In 1980, another group of Spiritans from Nigeria South East came to the Solwezi diocese at the invitation of then Bishop Severino Potani. They served in parish ministry and school chaplaincies until 1992. Other Spiritans arrived in Zambia on special requests and worked in refugee ministry at Maheba refugee camp.
The silver jubilee of the Spiritan presence (February 3, 1971 – February 3, 1996) was marked by the opening of the postulancy in Pemba district of the southern province in Monze diocese by Fr. Pierre Schouver, Superior General. The first group of postulants had begun their formation on September 29, 1995. On this occasion, the superior of Zambia was elevated to a major superior.
Since the establishment of the postulancy and other formation houses, the ZSG has seen its membership grow, with the first ordination being Fr. Vincent Moba in 2005. Over 80 Spiritans of various nationalities (including Irish, Tanzanian, Kenyan, Nigerian, Ghanaian, Congolese, Central African, Malawian, Indian, and Angolan) have served in Zambia, continuing the work of the pioneers. The Zambia Spiritan Group operates in the Lusaka Archdiocese, and the Monze and Livingstone Dioceses, with a total of 10 Spiritan communities. There are 23 finally professed Zambians; 10 serve within Zambia and 9 are appointed in Spiritan missions outside Zambia. Currently, a total of 21 confreres are working in the circumscription.
EARLIEST SPIRITAN MISSIONARIES IN ZAMBIA
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