The Holy Ghost Fathers (Congregation of the Holy Spirit, CSSp.) – also known as the Spiritans – were founded in 1703 in France. Today its members are present in over 60 countries, evangelising and ministering to the poor and to those on the margins of society. They work especially in remote and difficult regions where the Church faces particularly serious challenges.
The congregation has been present in Zambia since 1971 and today there are 19 Fathers working in three dioceses of this country in southern Africa. It is blessed with a number of local African vocations and has already ordained 16 young Zambian men to the priesthood, while another 12 are currently in training. Last year you supported their formation with a total of 7200 Euros – support for which they are most grateful!
One of these seminarians is Brother Brian Chilando, who was recently ordained a deacon and will shortly be ordained to the priesthood. He writes:
„We will always pray for you, that God may bless you with everything you need in your lives. Your support for us is like a warm, bright ray of light, representing the kind and caring people you are and your concern for the needs of others. I believe that the reason I have come this far on the path of my vocation is because there are people like you, generously willing to support us students in our training for the priesthood and religious life. I thank you with all my heart for this. I believe that the dreams of so many young men who want to become priests or religious can only be fulfilled thanks to gestures such as yours. Indeed, your help benefits not only the congregations concerned but also the entire Church, since you are contributing to the formation of the future servants of the universal Church. Once again, my heartfelt thanks!“
Brother Remmy Banda is in his fourth year of Theology and also wants to express his warmest thanks to all our benefactors. „I was overjoyed and grateful to learn of your loyal financial support for my training“, he says. „As always, I want to thank God in my prayers for you and your families and for your charity ACN. I pray to the Lord, whom you so zealously serve, to continue to bless and protect you and reward you for your generosity.
Again and again I feel encouraged by your overwhelming and selfless support, and today I can say in all confidence that „by the grace of God I am what I am“ (cf 1 Cor 15:10). This grace is beautifully evident in your generosity and love for me. I pray that the Holy Spirit may continue to make his fruits grow within you.“