- Spiritan Spirituality Animation:
On the morning of 26 June, Marc Botzung presented Spiritan Spirituality theme and spoke about Spiritan Spirituality animation; with Maximil Tambyapin making additional key points on the causes of our confreres on the path to altar. In the second session, Philip Massawe and Justi Tarimo discussed Spiritan Spirituality’s renewal program and in the third session Marc discussed the new guidelines of the Congregation on Safeguarding of Minors and Vulnerable Adults:
The General Chapter of Bagamoyo II (n° 82–96) reaffirmed the vital role of spirituality in sustaining the Congregation’s identity and mission. Central to this renewal is the commitment to deepening formation, preserving Spiritan heritage, and expanding outreach within the Congregation and beyond.
The General Council has taken significant steps to implement these directives. Fr. Marc Botzung continues as General Councillor responsible for spiritual animation, assisted by Fr. Crispin Mbumba starting in September 2025. Yet, the challenge of personnel availability remains. Formation in Spiritan spirituality is available at Duquesne University (USA), Rennes (France), and Silva (Portugal), though candidate participation has been minimal.
Efforts to expand the reach of spirituality include novenas, quotes from founders distributed via WhatsApp, and publications such as Anthology II and a French critical edition of the Letters of the Superiors General, slated for release in 2025. The spirituality commission also launched a monthly lectio divina program, though limited feedback hinders its assessment.
While some Provinces have structured spiritual animation plans involving Lay Spiritan Associates, many do not. Novice master training sessions and spiritual renewal retreats are increasing, particularly in regions like Nigeria. Still, a consistent formation framework—especially in English-speaking regions—needs development.
The Congregation is also pursuing beatification and canonization causes for its founders and blessed Confreres. Projects involving archives, pilgrimages, and local publications aim to preserve and celebrate Spiritan heritage, but coordination and documentation remain uneven.
In short, the animation of Spiritan spirituality is marked by dedication, but also gaps in formation access, communication and initiative. The General Council invites all circumscriptions to take ownership of this shared patrimony, ensuring its dynamic transmission through liturgy, formation, publication, and historical memory.
The Spiritan vocation is not only missionary but deeply spiritual; the call now is to weave these together more fully—to live as Spirit-led apostles with hearts rooted in the charism of our Founders.
This spiritual grounding finds fresh expression in ongoing formation. From spiritual identity to renewed ministry, the journey continues as the Congregation invests in accompaniment for confreres at mid-mission.
- Renewal program in Spiritan Spirituality
In response to Bagamoyo II, Decision 84, the General Council is launching a six-week renewal program in Spiritan spirituality for confreres with 10–12 years of ministry. Set for 6 October to 15 November 2025 at SIST, Attakwu (Nigeria), the program focuses on rekindling missionary zeal through spiritual reflection, community engagement, and deeper connection with the Spiritan charism.
Twenty-seven participants from the Union of Circumscriptions of West Africa (UCAWA) will join sessions guided by five facilitators. Weekly themes will explore identity, mission, safeguarding, community life, and mid-life transitions. Group discussions, personal reflection and a concluding retreat shape the methodology.
Although based on SRL 145, this initiative emphasizes Spiritan elements and is not a substitute for general renewal. Plans are underway to expand the program to French and Portuguese-speaking circumscriptions in 2026.
Topics include:
- Identity and mission,
- Safeguarding as part of mission,
- Mid-life transition (from the Guide for Spiritan Formation),
- Religious, community, and apostolic life.
Led by five facilitators, the sessions aim to reconnect participants with the vision of our Founders, offering space to rediscover rest, purpose, and apostolic energy.
As the Spiritan family deepens its identity and renews its apostolic presence, it also embraces a moral imperative: to protect the dignity of the most vulnerable. Spiritan Spirituality and Renewal are incomplete without safeguarding rooted in justice and compassion.
- Safeguarding: At the Heart of our Mission
The Congregation continues to respond to Pope Francis’ call for comprehensive reform in the protection of minors and vulnerable adults. Recognized by Bagamoyo II as an essential dimension of mission, Safeguarding is now embedded in our spiritual and pastoral identity.
Key Orientations
- Pastoral Approach: Victims are to be welcomed and heard; accused confreres accompanied with justice and compassion,
- Training: Offered annually at all levels—initial, ongoing, and for formators,
- Leadership Formation: Superiors supported by trained delegates; collaboration inside and outside the Congregation is vital,
- Policy Updates: Procedures and guidelines to be reviewed regularly.
Recent Actions
- Training Expansion: Courses offered at the Gregorian University (Rome), including online options for wider participation,
- Canonical File Processing: allegations are now handled at several levels (local, provincial, General Council) and the final decision is made at the level of the Vatican Dicasteries.
- New 2025 Guide: a single, comprehensive manual was presented to CGE delegates before being distributed to the entire Congregation. It incorporates the latest Church norms, procedures and definitions, including those relating to abuse of power and spiritual abuse.
Despite progress, challenges remain—particularly in data collection consistent training and the application of canonical procedures.
Safeguarding is not simply a policy—it is a sacred responsibility that reflects the heart of our Spiritan mission and discipleship.
