The Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Latin: Congregatio Sancti Spiritus, abbreviation: C.S.Sp.) is a Roman Catholic missionary religious congregation of priests, brothers, and associates. They are commonly known as: Spiritans, Holy Ghost Fathers, Holy Ghost Missionaries. They were founded over 300 years ago, and have consistently focused on missionary work, particularly: Among the poor, In remote or challenging regions, And in situations where the Church struggles to find ministers. The Congregation of the Holy Spirit is a deeply missionary community that has served the Catholic Church globally for over 300 years. In Nigeria, their early sacrifices have resulted in a flourishing local Church with vibrant indigenous vocations. Nigerian Spiritans today exemplify the Congregation’s mission: spreading the Gospel with courage, faith, and love—wherever the Spirit leads.
Historical Overview.
The Congregation was Founded in 1703 in Paris, France, by Claude-François Poullart des Places, a wealthy law student turned seminarian who was deeply moved by the plight of poor seminarians. Originally aimed at helping impoverished young men study for the priesthood. The Congregation gained missionary direction with the 1848 merger with the Society of the Holy Heart of Mary, led by Francis Mary-Paul Libermann, a Jewish convert dedicated to serving freed slaves and the African diaspora.
Global Mission.
The Spiritans are present in over 60 countries across:Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America. Their mission includes:. Evangelization and pastoral ministry.
. Education (schools, seminaries).
. Health care.
. Development work (water, agriculture, justice).
. Refugee support and peacebuilding.
Arrival in Nigeria.
The Spiritans were among the first Catholic missionaries in Nigeria, particularly Southern Nigeria, where they laid strong religious, educational, and social foundations. They were responsible for building many early Catholic mission stations, schools, parishes, and seminaries in Nigeria. Their “humble beginning” in Nigeria has grown into a vibrant and influential Catholic presence. A major development was the rise of indigenous vocations: Nigerian men began to join the Spiritans, Many were ordained as priests and professed as brothers. Today, Nigerian Spiritans are a major force, ministering not only within Nigeria but also in other countries and continents. Nigerian Spiritans are among the most numerous and active in the world today. They continue to serve with “undaunted spirit”, both locally and internationally, embodying the Spiritan charism in diverse cultures and communities.
Spirituality and Charism.
Spiritan spirituality is rooted in the Holy Spirit,
seeking divine guidance, courage, and transformation.
It is also inspired by Mary, the Immaculate Heart, as a
model of faithful discipleship. Their Spirituality is characterised by:
. Openness to the poor and marginalized.
. A missionary zeal.
. Simplicity and trust in divine providence.
. Deep fraternity and community life.