The Spiritans’ charism has always been evangelization of the “poor”. Through education and community service, we endeavor to help those who are disadvantaged to overcome the problems that make each day a struggle bringing food, water, medical services and supplies to those who lack these necessities of life.
Fr. Donald McEachin, C.S.Sp., is one of the Spiritan missionaries working in the Dominican Republic. When Fr. Don first arrived in the poor barrio of San Juan de la Maguana, he assumed responsibility for a new parish with no church building and only 12-15 people who assembled in a one-room chapel for services. So began his project of evangelization. “You don’t wait for the people to come to you; you go out to the people”. Today the parish is a thriving community in the center of the barrio.
To address the rampant unemployment in San Juan de la Maguana, Fr. Don established St. Michael the Archangel Technical Professional High School, a job training school offering courses in computer data processing, word processing, sewing, beauty salon training, and baking. It is one of the top three professional training schools in Dominican Republic today and the only school that does not charge a tuition. This has been made possible through prayers and financial support of many benefactors.
Kibera neighborhood in Nairobi, Kenya, is Africa’s largest slum. Deep within this slum is St. Francis Nursery School. The Spiritans support this oasis of hope with regular food supplies. While our original intent was to provide just a morning meal for the school children, it was soon evident that food distribution was needed for their parents and families as well. So regular distribution began.
These days we are indeed living in unprecedented times, and many of us are feeling anxious about the current health crisis. We send you our prayers and ask you to focus on the future when we can once again gather together to worship.
Congregation of the Holy Spirit – Spiritans was assigned to Good Shepherd Church, San Diego in 2017 and Mission San Antonio De Pala in 2018 for Missionary Cooperation Plan. They are assigned to St. Pius X Church, Chula Vista for Missionary Cooperation Plan 2021.
-Judith F. Arbes, Missionary Cooperation Plan Administrator