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The Congregation of the Holy Spirit, in its ongoing journey of discernment, formation, and missionary renewal, convenes its ninth Enlarged General Council (EGC)—a sacred moment in the life of the Congregation that brings together delegates from Spiritan circumscriptions around the world. This historic gathering marks not merely a continuation of tradition but a renewed expression of our collective identity, shared commitment, and openness to the promptings of the Spirit.
Over the years, the EGC has been hosted across various continents, reflecting the global presence and evolving witness of the Congregation. The first three EGCs were held in Rome, Germany, and Portugal—centres that speak to the early institutional and missionary life of the Congregation. The fourth and fifth gatherings brought the EGC to the African continent—Tanzania and Senegal—where the Spiritan charism has borne rich fruit for generations. The sixth EGC was hosted in the United States, the seventh and eighth returned to Rome, the heart of the Church and the Spiritan Generalate. Now, in its ninth time, we find ourselves in Chevilly, France—a site steeped in Spiritan memory and legacy.
All delegates arrived safely, although, as is often the case with international gatherings, two delegates were unable to obtain visas. The fatigue of the journey was quickly dispelled by the warm welcome of our confreres from the Province of France. Thanks to their attention, generosity and sincere hospitality, the initial anxiety of the journey gave way to an atmosphere of joyful fraternity, shared prayer and a real sense of homecoming.
The choice of Chevilly is deeply symbolic and providential. It resonates strongly with the second phase of the Congregation’s Animation Plan, which is centred on deepening Spiritan spirituality and re-rooting our identity in the foundational charism of our founders. Chevilly itself holds a unique place in our history. Since 1864, it became a critical site for the formation of Spiritan missionaries—not only in the academic disciplines of theology and philosophy, but also in practical fields essential for mission work. This was a place where the missionary spirit was forged in the crucible of prayer, study, community, and practical engagement. In 2016, the entire property was renovated to provide a hospitable environment for both individual retreats and group gatherings, making it once again a place of encounter, reflection, and mission.
Even before the formal opening of the EGC, many delegates who arrived earlier were enveloped in a palpable spirit of communion. The sense of being part of one Spiritan family was experienced not only in greetings and meals but was also sacramentally expressed through acts of pilgrimage. On Saturday, June 21st, participants visited places of Marian devotion including Our Lady of Good Deliverance at Neuilly and Our Lady of Victories in Paris—shrines dear to generations of Spiritans and French Catholics alike. These visits were not merely historical or aesthetic encounters but acts of spiritual remembrance and intercession, invoking Our Lady’s maternal presence over the EGC. Philip Massawe, A General Councillor shares more...