By George Mokua, C.S.Sp.
The Spiritans in Ethiopia celebrated the Feast of their Founder, Claude-François Poullart des Places, C.S.Sp, on Friday, 2 October 2026. The event, held at Holy Spirit Parish in Yabello, Borana region, Ethiopia, also marked the inauguration of the new Spiritan Council in Ethiopia. The celebration brought together members of the Spiritan Community for prayer, thanksgiving, and reflection on their missionary vocation, joined by Christians and others with whom they collaborate in their various missions.
The Feast of Poullart des Places holds particular significance for the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. Born into a wealthy family in Rennes, Brittany, France, Poullart des Places initially pursued studies that could have made him have a name in the legal profession but through prayer, retreats, and discernment, he felt a call to the priesthood. He developed a special interest in impoverished young people, including chimney sweepers and students from poor families who were preparing for the priesthood.
At the age of 24, on Pentecost in 1703, he gathered twelve impoverished students in Paris to form a community dedicated to the Holy Spirit and placed under the protection of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This community became the foundation from which the missionary tradition would later develop into the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, commonly known as the Spiritans.
For the Spiritans in Ethiopia, this year’s feast coincided with the commencement of the new Spiritan Council’s four-year mandate, which will oversee the Congregation’s mission in Ethiopia. All began with a Eucharistic Celebration at Holy Spirit Parish. In his homily, the newly re-elected Group Superior, Rev. Fr. Garbicha Kilimpe Wako, C.S.Sp., urged his confreres to embrace servant leadership, humility, and openness to conversion.
Reflecting on the Gospel reading of the day concerning who is greatest, Fr. Kilimpe reminded the Spiritans and the attending Christians that Christian greatness is expressed through humility and service. He encouraged everyone to emulate the simplicity, humility, and openness to a change of heart found in children. He further emphasised that leadership within the Congregation should not be understood primarily in terms of titles or positions, but rather that every Spiritan plays a role in advancing the mission entrusted to the Congregation.
“The mission belongs to God, and we are his instruments through whom He communicates His message to His people,” he reminded them. He therefore encouraged the Spiritans to carry out their responsibilities with faithfulness, recognising that their various ministries are part of a larger missionary vocation. He thanked the previous council members and called for collaboration from the new team. The Superior also urged his confreres to remain faithful to the missionary spirit of Poullart des Places, particularly his concern for the poor, the neglected, and those on the peripheries. The Founder’s concern for the poor remains a heritage for discerning the needs of the poor and marginalised and responding generously.
As the new Council begins its work, the Spiritan Community is called to renew its commitment to servant leadership, fraternity, and faithful missionary service—all for the greater glory of God.
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