Celebrating 150 years of Spiritans in Ireland, May 2009 - February 2010
On Pentecost Sunday 1703 Claude Poullart des Places founded the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (The Spiritans) as a missionary
congregation.
This year the Spiritans celebrate 150 years of presence and mission in and from Ireland and the 300th anniversary of the death of our founder.
As part of our celebration we invite you to pray with us in preparation for the feast of Pentecost – the feast of the Holy Spirit.
Anniversary Events
Saturday 30th May
The celebrations begin on the Vigil of Pentecost, Saturday 30th May 2009, with an inter-cultural evening in Kimmage Manor, Dublin. This will comprise a liturgy and cultural presentations as well as the preparation of typical foods by Africans, Asians and South Americans living in Ireland.
Sunday 31st May
The Provincial and a wide selection of friends of the Congregation will celebrate Eucharist and a festive meal on Pentecost itself, Sunday 31st May.
Sunday 21st June
In the presence of many of their relatives, our deceased members will be remembered on Sunday 21st June, in both Rockwell and Kimmage Manor.
Monday 6th July - Saturday 11th July
The Extended Provincial Council (EPC), 9-11th July, will be preceded by a three-day “Mission Forum” on the theme “Some challenges to Missionary Groups today”. Representatives of some 50 Missionary Groups, closely associated with the Spiritans, will join us to hear inputs from Fr. Tony Gittins and participate in workshops. On the final day Spiritans, with the Superior General, will reflect together on the current and future Mission of the Congregation and, especially, the Irish Province.
To dowload a PDF document of the Spiritan Mission Forum Proceedings and Summaries please click on the following image.
To dowload PDF documents from Fr. Tony Gittins' workshops please click on the following two images.
The huge debt of gratitude which we owe to our loyal Promoters and Supporters will be acknowledged at a special Promotions Mass and celebration on Sunday 12th July.
Tuesday 8th September
The 8th September, traditionally the Province’s day of Professions to the Religious Life, will be an occasion to reflect on how Spiritans live religious life today.
Friday 2nd October
On the 2nd October, the 300th anniversary of the death of Claude Poullart des Places, co-founder of the Congregation, we will celebrate work now being done by the Transition Year pupils of the Spiritan Schools, around the history of the Congregation and Province, and the lives of our Founders and of Bishop Shanahan.
Wednesday 28th October
To mark the date of arrival of the first Spiritans in Ireland, Her Excellency Mary McAleese, the President of Ireland will address the Congregation, on Wednesday 28th October, on the “Contribution of Ireland to Mission”. The Archbishop of Dublin, Most Rev. Diarmuid Martin, will preside and preach at the Eucharist which follows.
Sunday 1st November
On All Saints Day 1st November 2009, the Sunday following the 150th anniversary of the arrival in Ireland of the first Spiritan (Holy Ghost) missionaries, a special Mass was celebrated at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Kimmage Manor. The principal celebrant was Fr Brian Starken C.S.Sp., Provincial.
The Mass, produced by Kairos, was broadcast live on RTÉ television.
November - December
November and December will see a series of lectures on aspects of the history and future of the Province. Details will be posted later.
February 2010
Finally, the Feast of the Congregation’s co-founder, Venerable Libermann will mark the close of our celebrations in February 2010.
To download a PDF document on Preparing for Pentecost please click on the above image.
To download the "Where is the SPIRIT calling you?" PDF document please click on the above image or visit our Vocations 2009 page for further information.
To download the Spiritan Life and Mission (No. 1) - Some elements of the spirituality of Francis Libermann PDF document please click on the above image.
