Welcome to the site of the British Province of the Spiritans. We are a Roman Catholic Religious Congregation of nearly three thousand members, founded in 1703. with missions throughout the World. We are found involved in many diverse ministries, but we have dedicated ourselves to working with the poor and in those situations where the Church has difficulty in finding ministers. We hope that you find our site intersting and informative. While browsing please keep us in your prayers. May God bless you. For more information email
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OCTOBER 2009 300 YEARS SINCE OUR FOUNDERS DEATH
Spiritan Brother Clement and the clementine
Catholic Statistics 2010
SPIRITAN STATISTICS
The Congregation reached is greatest number between 1961 - 1968 with a total of 5,008 Professed members.
Today the total number of Spiritans worldwide is holding steady at around 2,900.
Traditionally Spiritans came from Europe and North America. Today Europe is still the largest group, but mainly elderly and in retirement.
Spiritans from Europe are 1284 of whom from France 415; Ireland 339; Portugal 165; and UK 34.
Spiritans from North America: 143; Caribbean 62; Indian Ocean 40; Latin America 36 and Asia and Oceania 12
We have more than 100 members from Nigeria with 516; France with 415; Ireland has 339; from West Africa there are174; from Portugal 165; from Central Africa 160 and from Tanzania there are 119 Spiritans.
Around the world there are 121 Lay Spiritans and we have almost 900 young Spiritans in Training of whom about 800 are from Africa, 50 from the Americas, and 40 in Europe.
Finally, were are currently working in 58countries worldwide, of which 27 are in Africa, 12 in Europe, 4 each in Asia and the Caribbean, 3 each in the Indian Ocean, North America and South America and 2 in Oceania.
Remembering our Dead
"The Lord will open to them the gate of Paradise, and they will return to that homeland where there is no death, but only lasting joy."We all welcome the month of november because it gives us the opportuity as a Christian Community to pray for our dead and all the faithful departed. As we know from the Scriptures: "It is a holy thing to pray for the dead"
During this past year, many of us have been parted from someone we love dearly, family or friends who were an integral part part of our lives. We now take this opportunity to remember them in prayer together.
One every one of the thirty days of November, Holy Mass will be offered for the repose of their souls in the chapels of the Spiritan Communities in Bickley, Kent, and Carfin, Scotland, and a remembrance of them will be made in our daily prayers throughout our Province.
We know that death is our gateway to heaven and everlasting happiness. Many people do not have this faith and hope, so we pray for them too, remembering all close to us, and also those far away in Afghanistan, the Congo and other places of turmoil, suffering and death. They call to us in prayer.
Please sent your requests and special intentions by mail to either Carfin or Bickley (Addresses in Communities section). Please mark envelope NL in top Left. Should you wish to include an offering or donation please make cheques payable to "The Holy Ghost Fathers".
Thank you.If you would like an acknowledgement please enclose a S.A.E.
Fr. Vincent Griffin CSSp
Mission Support And Lottery
The training of future missionaries is a priority of the Province and while Vocations are rare these days here, the numbers of young men offering themselves in the service of God and the Church is enemrous to the extent that wwe often have to turn numbers away. We also have a commitment to train the trainers. The British Province of the Spiritans is contributing to this with Fr Adrian Edwards teaching in the West African Spiritan Regional \seminary in Ghana and Fr Eamonn Mulcahy the The Tangaza Institute in Nairobi, Kenya. They live hand to mouth and you help and support is greatly appreciated.
If you would like to help, or to receive more information, please contact: The Secretary, Holy Ghost Fathers, 6 Woodlands Road, Bickley, BROMLEY BR1 2AF 020 - 8467 3555
Prayer Request
Prayer used in the Holy Spirit Seminary (1703 onwards) as a renewal in the steps of Claude Poullart des Places.
Holy Mary, my mother and my queen, kneeling humbly at your feet I implore your help. Assist me, your servant, to dedicate, consecrate and devote myself to the Holy Spirit, your divine Spouse. Despite my weaknesses, I want today to make a serious commitment in his honour. My dear Mother, please listen to me; all-powerful Spirit hear her prayers for me and enlighten my mind and inflame my heart with your love, so that in this house (Congregation) which is dedicated to you I might do all that is pleasing to you, everything that will bring you glory, achieve my sanctification and build up and strengthen my brothers& sisters.
If you would like the Spiritans to pray for a special intention or offer Mass for your friends or relatives, or yourself, send details and an offering to
The Secretary, Holy Ghost Fathers, 6 Woodlands Road, Bickley, BROMLEY BR1 2AF 020 - 8467 3555
Sign Up For MISSIONWIDE
We produce our Magazine quarterly with the winter edition being a calendar for the coming year. The subscription is £5 annually. If you would like to receive a copy please write to "Missionwide Subscriptions at 6 Woodlands Road, Bickley, BROMLEY BR1 2AF or email Missionwide@spiritans.co.uk with your details
