Formation in SCCAI
Formation is central to the life and mission of Spiritans in Africa and the Islands. SCCAI coordinates cooperation between circumscriptions in the training of candidates, the exchange of students, and the ongoing formation of confreres throughout their ministry.
Exchange of Students and Missionary Experience (PEM)
To support students undertaking studies or a Period of Missionary Experience (PEM) in another circumscription, SCCAI has agreed on clear guidelines covering sponsorship arrangements, travel, tuition, health care, and pastoral accompaniment. Sending and receiving circumscriptions dialogue closely to prepare students well, welcome them into a supportive community, and keep their formation on track.
Spiritan Formation Communities
In many formation communities, Spiritans study alongside members of other congregations. SCCAI encourages every formation programme to give Spiritan spirituality and Spiritan studies a strong and continuous place, so that our specific identity and charism are nurtured at every stage of formation.
SCCAI supports two centres dedicated to ongoing formation: the Bagamoyo Spiritan Centre in Tanzania, offered in partnership with ICOF, and the Brottier Centre for Mission and Spirituality at SIST in Enugu, Nigeria. Each circumscription contributes financially to these programmes, and further centres may be created in Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone Africa as needs arise.
Priorities for the Formation of Formators
SCCAI has identified key priority areas for preparing formators who accompany our young Spiritans:
- Spiritan spirituality and Spiritan studies
- Spiritual direction and accompaniment
- Behavioural sciences, psychology, and human development
- Formation skills for accompanying students
- Contemporary understanding of mission
- Inculturation
- Justice, peace, and integrity of creation (JPIC), and reconciliation
- Interreligious dialogue