Becoming a Spiritan Priest in Tanzania:
A Call to Mission and Service
The call to become a Spiritan priest is first and foremost a call from God—a call to follow Jesus Christ and to dedicate one’s life to the service of the Gospel, especially among the poor and marginalized. In the Spiritan tradition, this vocation is lived within the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (CSSp), a missionary religious family present in more than 60 countries around the world.
A Missionary Vocation
To become a Spiritan is to embrace a missionary charism inspired by the Holy Spirit. Spiritans are sent “where the Church has difficulty finding workers,” serving in challenging and often neglected areas. Their mission is rooted in evangelization, justice, peace, and respect for human dignity. This vocation is not only about becoming a priest, but about becoming a missionary disciple, ready to serve anywhere in the world.
At the heart of the Spiritan vocation is the “apostolic life”—a life modeled on Christ, lived in prayer, community, and service. (tanzaniaspiritan.com)
Who Can Join?
A young man who feels called to this life is invited to begin a journey of discernment. Typically, candidates are:
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Baptized Catholics
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Spiritually motivated and committed to the Church
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Open to missionary life and community living
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Ready for formation both human and spiritual
The process begins with contact, dialogue, and a period of discernment with the vocation director. (tanzaniaspiritan.com)
Formation Journey in Tanzania
The formation of a Spiritan priest is a gradual and deep journey that usually takes 8–10 years. (Spiritans) It includes several important stages:
1. Postulancy (Initial Formation)
This is the first stage, where the candidate begins to live in the Spiritan community and is introduced to religious life. It includes studies (often philosophy), prayer, and pastoral exposure. In East Africa, philosophical studies are often done in places like Arusha. (holyghostfathers.co.ke)
2. Novitiate (One Year)
This is a special year of spiritual formation, often held in places like Lushoto (Tanzania). During this time, the candidate deepens his understanding of the Spiritan life, the vows (poverty, chastity, obedience), and discerns his commitment. (holyghostfathers.co.ke)
At the end of this stage, he may take temporary vows.
3. Pastoral Mission Experience (PME)
After the novitiate, the candidate is sent for missionary experience, often in a different cultural setting. This helps him grow in practical mission and understand the universal nature of the Church. (spiritans.org)
4. Theological Studies
The candidate then studies theology in preparation for priesthood. This period includes deeper formation in Scripture, theology, pastoral ministry, and missionary life.
5. Final Commitment and Ordination
After years of formation, the candidate makes perpetual vows and is ordained a priest (if called to priesthood). He is then sent on mission, often beyond his home country.
Life as a Spiritan Priest
A Spiritan priest lives:
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In community with other confreres
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In prayer, rooted in the Word of God and the Eucharist
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In mission, especially among the poor and forgotten
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In simplicity and service, following Christ
Spiritans are known for their closeness to the people, their respect for cultures, and their willingness to go to difficult places.
Why Choose the Spiritan Way?
To become a Spiritan is to choose a life:
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Guided by the Holy Spirit
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Dedicated to mission
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Lived in fraternity
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Rooted in faith and service
It is a path for those who desire to give their lives completely to God and to the service of others.
Begin Your Journey
If you feel this call in your heart, do not ignore it. Take time to pray, to reflect, and to speak with a Spiritan vocation director. The journey begins with a simple step: openness to God’s voice.
“Come and see” (John 1:39).