SPIRITAN FORMATION IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

The Spiritan family is decentralized Congregation. This means that we have regional administrations, which are autonomous but fall under the General Administration in Rome. Candidates recruited from Southern Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe do philosophy, Novitiate and Theology in the same place after Postulancy. This means that Postulancy is done in the home countries of candidates.

The Spiritan congregation welcomes both priesthood and brotherhood candidates with same entry qualifications.

Formation is done in different countries in order to introduce the candidates to the future missionary life outside one’s environment. 


 THEOLOGY

This is a 4 year training course. Theology is done at the Institute of Theological College (ITC) near Harare in Zimbabwe. Congregations present are Spiritans, OFM Franciscans and Carmelites. There are 14 Spiritan students presently (2009/2010). Sometimes, students are sent to other parts of the world for Theological studies. For example, there is 1 Zimbabwean student studying in Portugal under the guidance of the Spiritan Province of Portugal. This shows the internationality of the Spiritan family.

Brotherhood candidates are expected to do at least two years of theological studies before they can specialise in other fields.

PEP

At the end of the second year of Theology, students are sent to various countries for one or two years of Pastoral Experience Program. This period helps students to put into practise the theoretical concepts of Theology. During PEP Students live in the active Spiritan communities where priests and brothers are serving parishes and various apostolate.

MISSIONARY JOURNEY

The Spiritan Congregation is missionary by nature. Newly ordained priests and consecrated brothers are sent on mission by the Superior General. Missionary life is meant for life. A missionary candidate is allowed to make 3 choices especially from the countries that urgently need personnel. The Superior General and his Council make the final decision.

Ordination of Rev Fr Nkosinathi Nkabinde CSSp (South Africa)

Rev Fr Jude Nnorom CSSp (Former Superior of South Africa)

Bishop Hubert Bucher (Bethlehem)