Founded in 1703 in France by Claude Poullart des Places and expanded under the vision of Francis Libermann, the Spiritans have dedicated themselves to serving the marginalized and forgotten. Today, they count over 2,500 members globally, encompassing priests, brothers, and lay associates who are united in their mission to serve.
Father Mike Gray, Assistant Director at the Spiritan Office for Mission Advancement in the United States, reflects on the essence of their mission: “Our founders envisioned a congregation thoroughly committed to the evangelization of the ‘poor.’ Today, we continue in their footsteps, adapting to the changing needs of contemporary culture wherever there is a greater need.” This commitment has led Spiritans to extend their service from pastoral care to tangible actions like providing education, advocating for justice, and fostering economic development.
In the U.S., Spiritans focus their efforts on working with the poor and marginalized, often in areas where ministers are scarce. Internationally, their mission spans continents—Africa, Asia, and Latin America—where they provide a range of services from teaching to medical care.
“We go to the people not primarily to accomplish a task, but rather to be with them, walk beside them, listen to them, and share our faith with them,” says John Boyles, National Director of Mission Advancement for the Spiritans’ U.S. province.
Central to their mission is the role of lay missionaries, who bring a diverse array of talents to the congregation’s work. A notable example shared by John is a school project in Tanzania, a collaborative effort led by lay individuals alongside Spiritans.
“This project exemplifies how integral lay missionaries are. It was spearheaded by a local benefactor and supported by international volunteers, all laypeople passionate about providing education to those in need,” he explains.
The path to becoming a lay missionary with the Spiritans involves a deep sense of calling and commitment, supported by a comprehensive formation program. This preparation ensures that lay missionaries are equipped to handle the challenges of mission life, including cultural adaptation and logistical complexities.
Each Christian is called to mission through their baptism, an invitation to live out the Gospel values in everyday life and to share those values with the world. “By our baptism, we’re all called to be missionaries,” explains John. “This call manifests differently for everyone; it might mean serving as a priest or a religious, but equally it could mean being a layperson who brings the light of Christ into the family, workplace, or wider community.”
“Being a lay missionary is about being transformed by the people you serve and seeing the face of Christ in them,” adds Father Mike.
The Spiritans first arrived in the United States over 150 years ago, setting roots in Pittsburgh and Northwest Arkansas after their members were expelled from Germany. “The U.S. province began when our German province was expelled by the Kaiser,” Father Mike notes, highlighting a significant part of their history. They quickly established a presence, with their first formation house opened in Philadelphia in the 1920s, which marked the beginning of a cycle that would see American Spiritans sent as missionaries to Africa by the mid-1920s and receiving missionaries from there by the 1990s.
“This 60 to 70-year cycle is crucial for us,” Father Mike continues. “It shows how we grow to the point of having native vocations and an established seminary, and then begin sending priests abroad as missionaries. Our first goal when opening a mission in a country is to help grow the local Church to have Indigenous clergy.”
As the Spiritans look to the future, they emphasize the importance of lay participation in their missionary work. “The invitation to serve as missionaries is almost instinctual for those moved by their faith and desire to serve,” Boyles remarks. This invitation extends to families and individuals from all walks of life, reflecting a dynamic and inclusive approach to missionary work.
The Spiritans’ mission is a testament to the power of faith and dedication, driven by a commitment to service and evangelization. Their story is not just about the work done but about the lives changed—both those they serve and their own. As they continue to invite more laypeople into their mission, they reaffirm the fundamental call to all Christians: to share the Gospel and serve the world.
